By Our Reporter
THE EDUMOGA Security Network (ESN) backed by youths in Ugbokolo township of Okpokwu LGA of Benue State, on Thursday successfully foiled an attempted kidnapping operation, rescued several victims and apprehended three suspected kidnappers.
The incident occurred along the Ugbokolo–Aokpe Road, where armed men had reportedly abducted a number of travellers on Wednesday night.
National Record gathered that news of the abduction quickly spread within Ugbokolo Community and environs, prompting ESN and local youths to mobilise and launch a search operation aimed at rescuing the victims and tracking down the perpetrators.
Reliable sources in the area told National Record that ESN and youths combed nearby bushes in search of the abductors and their captives. Their efforts paid off as they succeeded in rescuing the kidnapped individuals and arresting three of the suspects believed to have participated in the operation.
A sister of one of the rescued victims alleged that the apprehended suspects were Fulani. However, security authorities have yet to officially confirm the identities or ethnic backgrounds of those arrested.
The dramatic rescue operation triggered widespread anxiety in the community and beyond, particularly at the nearby campus of the Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo.
Reports indicate that rumours rapidly circulated across the institution claiming that bandits were advancing towards the campus to abduct students.
The unverified reports sparked panic among students, leading to a stampede as many rushed to flee the premises for safety.
A video clip that has since gone viral on social media showed scores of students running out through the institution’s main gate amid fears of a possible attack.
No casualties have been officially reported from the stampede, although the incident caused significant disruption to academic activities and heightened tension within the community.
Residents have commended the swift response of ESN, describing their intervention as instrumental in preventing the kidnappers from escaping with their victims.
Community members have also called on security agencies to intensify patrols along vulnerable rural roads linking communities to the Otukpo-Enugu highway to curb rising incidents of kidnapping and criminal activities.
As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had not released an official statement regarding the arrests, the rescue operation, or the circumstances surrounding the reported abduction.
