- Demolishes Den of Kidnappers
MEN of the special anti-crime unit of the Benue State Police Command, Operation Zenda, on Monday rescued the wife of the Benue State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, Mrs Ann Unenge, and her driver who were abducted on 29th July 2021.
The police said the Mrs Unenge’s driver sustained injuries on his left leg while three abductors were killed; five arrested and other suspects escaped.
The house used by the abductors was demolished immediately following Governor Samuel Ortom’s order which was said to be in line with provisions of the Benue State Law on prohibition of abduction, hostage-taking/kidnapping, cultism and similar activities.
Governor Ortom commended the Nigeria Police for their display of professionalism in rescuing the victims without payment of any ransom. He cautioned kidnappers and other bandits operating in Benue State as well as their accomplices and informants to beware of the consequences of their actions, saying no matter how long it takes, the long arm of the law would one day catch up with them.
Confirming the rescue operation in a statement signed by the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Catherine Sewuese Anene, on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Audu Madaki, said: “On 30/7/2021, information was received that on 29/7/2021 at about 1400hrs, Mrs Ann Bernard left her house and did not return.
“2. During the search, officers of Operation Zenda got information about some suspected armed men at Welfare Quarters, Makurdi and raided the area. Five (5) suspects were arrested in connection with the case. Interrogation of these suspects revealed that Mrs Ann Bernard was moved to Nyiman Layout, Opposite BIPC quarters, Makurdi.
“Today 2/8/ 2021 at about 11.30hrs the crack team of Operation Zenda went on a rescue mission to the scene, on sighting the police, the suspects engaged them in a gun duel. Consequently, three (3) suspects sustained gunshot injuries and eventually died while Mrs Bernard and her driver were rescued.
“3. Items recovered from them include one (1) AK47 rifle, two magazines loaded with 28 rounds of 7.62 live ammunition, two pump action guns and eight (8) cartridges.
“4. Victims have been reunited with their family members while corpses of the deceased are deposited at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.
“5. Investigation is still in progress to arrest suspects at large. Members of the public are advised to be more vigilante and report suspicious persons to the police for necessary actions. The efforts of the command to rid Benue State of criminals remain resolute.”
