The Benue State Police Command has arrested 13 people suspected of being involved in the kidnapping of Ekpe Ogbu, the Commissioner for Housing/Urban Development, and others in Benue South senatorial district.
In December, five people were kidnapped within the senatorial district, including a Catholic priest, the Commissioner, his driver, an aide, and another.
In a statement issued by the Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, it was said that the Benue Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, had ordered the deployment of tactical teams to the southern part of the state to trail the kidnap syndicates grouping in the area.
“As a result of this deployment, men of Operation Zenda JTF have trailed and arrested 12 people in connection with the case of kidnap that happened on December 4, 2022, involving the Commissioner for Housing/ Urban Development, Hon. Anthony Ogbu.
“One Mohammed Omachoko, who specialises in preparing protection charms for kidnappers, David Ejembi, Aondongu Akighir AKA “Too Proud” and Teryima Peter were arrested while they were on their way to purchase guns for the group.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of nine other gang members, two locally made Baretta pistol loaded with 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered from them. Suspects confessed to the crime,” the statement added.
Anene said that the CP urged people of the state to provide useful information to the police to enable them fish out hoodlums within their communities.