By Amos Aar
THE Benue State Commissioner for Urban and Rural Development, Hon. Ekpe Ogbu, is reported to have been kidnapped by gunmen along Otukpo-Ado Road in Benue State.
Channels Television reports that the former member of the Governing Council of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo and former Ado local government chairman was kidnapped at Adankari Junction along the Otukpo-Ado Road at about 4pm on Sunday.
According to Channels Television, Special Adviser to Governor Samuel Ortom on Security Matters, Colonel Paul Hemba (rtd), confirmed the abduction via a phone call on Sunday night.
Col Hemba said the Hilux van the victim was traveling in was recovered by the police in Otukpo, and rescue efforts had begun but no contact has been established with the kidnappers.
“The Adankari Junction has become the black spot for kidnap activities with at least three records of kidnappings reported there.
“Previously, a reverend father, a professor of the Benue State University, and a local politician from Otobi had been kidnapped at the junction on different dates.
“The victims, upon their release, said the kidnappers were armed herdsmen terrorizing local communities and commuters who ply the route,” Channels reports.
National Record contacted the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Sewuese Anene, to know how the police recovered the Hilux vehicle belonging to Hon. Ekpe Ogbu far away from the scene of the incident, but the PPRO was yet to respond as at the time of filing this report.
