By Amos Aar
THE BENUE State Police Command has arrested a tax collector, Zaki Nyam, and seventeen other suspects over alleged abduction of people in Logo LGA of Benue State.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Sewuese Anene, who made this known to journalists in a statement on Sunday said the arrest of the eighteen (18) suspects followed a thorough investigation into an invasion of Mchia Market in the area by bandits on November 23, 2023 during which two traders were allegedly kidnapped.
According SP Anene, the abductors kept the victims in the compound of Zaki Nyam and were demanding the sum of ten million naira as ransom for their release.
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The statement reads: “On 23/11/2023 at about 1800hrs information was received at Logo Police Division that a group of bandits armed with dangerous weapons mobilised and invaded a market at Mchia, Logo Local Government Area and kidnapped two traders.
“Upon receipt of this information which was relayed to Police Headquarters Makurdi, the Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP. George Chuku psc(+) ordered the deployment of tactical teams to raid the area and ensure that victims were rescued.
“On 25/11/2023 the police team stormed a hideout where the two victims were rescued at the compound of Zaki Tule Nyam, a tax collector. The victims stated that they were held hostage and their families were given one week to source for 10 million naira and pay as ransom before their release before the arrival of the police.
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“Consequently, Zaki Nyam and seventeen other suspects were arrested in the compound for further investigation. Items recovered from them include one dane-gun and a machete.
“While investigation is ongoing, the CP enjoins the good people of Logo LGA to cooperate with police teams sent to the area by giving them useful information”.
