13 persons have been detained by the Benue State Police Command on suspicion of taking part in the kidnapping of Ekpe Ogbu, the commissioner for housing and urban development, and other people in the Benue South senatorial area.
A Catholic Priest, the Commissioner, his chauffeur, an assistant, and one other person were among the no fewer than five persons that were kidnapped within the senatorial district in December.
The Benue Commissioner of Police, CP Wale Abass, has ordered the deployment of tactical teams to the southern part of the state to pursue the kidnapping syndicates assembling there, according to a statement released by the Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene.
“As a result of this deployment, men of Operation Zenda JTF have trailed and arrested 12 people in connection with the case of kidnap that happened on December 4, 2022, involving the Commissioner for Housing/ Urban Development, Hon. Anthony Ogbu.
“One Mohammed Omachoko, who specialises in preparing protection charms for kidnappers, David Ejembi, Aondongu Akighir AKA “Too Proud” and Teryima Peter were arrested while they were on their way to purchase guns for the group.
“Further investigation led to the arrest of nine other gang members, two locally made Baretta pistol loaded with 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered from them. Suspects confessed to the crime,” the statement added.
Anene said that the CP urged people of the state to provide useful information to the police to enable them fish out hoodlums within their communities.
