The Police Command in Benue State on Christmas Day successfully foiled a kidnap attempt and rescued one Geoffrey Akume along the Gboko–Makurdi Road.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Makurdi.
Edet said the incident occurred in the early hours of Christmas Day at Tiortu, where the victim, who was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi, was accosted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers.
She explained that the suspects forcefully abducted Akume and were in the process of taking him deeper into a nearby forest when the police intervened.
“Upon receipt of distress information, operatives of the Benue State Police Command swiftly swung into action, commenced intensive patrols and carried out a coordinated search of the area.
“On sighting the police team and hearing the sirens, the perpetrators abandoned the victim and fled into the forest,” she said.
According to Edet, the victim escaped unhurt and was rescued by the police patrol team without any ransom being paid.
She added that Akume was taken to the Abinse Police Station, where he was debriefed by the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, before being reunited with his family.
The spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police commended the operatives for their swift response, courage and professionalism.
Emenari reassured residents of the command’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property, especially during the festive season.
He further stated that patrols, stop-and-search operations and intelligence-led policing had been intensified across strategic locations in the state.
“Members of the public are encouraged to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities to the nearest police station or through approved emergency channels.
“Efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects,” Edet added.