Security operatives have arrested three suspected kidnappers in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The suspects were apprehended on Sunday around Ogoli-Ugboju in the local government area.
The arrests come after residents of Otukpo town held a protest last Tuesday, demanding action against the rising insecurity in the area and nearby communities.
In response, the police had deployed additional officers to tackle the growing security concerns.
The recent spate of criminal activity saw gunmen hijack a bus belonging to the state transport company, ‘Benue Links,’ late Thursday night.
The attackers killed two people and abducted 14 passengers.
However, the police, in collaboration with the State Protection Guards, were able to rescue the abducted passengers within 24 hours
The three suspects arrested are believed to be part of a larger gang responsible for the recent kidnappings in the area.
The suspects, identified as Ibrahim Salleh, Ashimu, and Abuh Umaru, were chased and apprehended by security operatives who had received intelligence on their whereabouts.
Confirming the arrest, Chairman of Otukpo LG, Maxwell Ogiri, stated that two more suspects are still on the run, with security agencies continuing to pursue them.
He said, “We learnt from intelligence report that they are a gang of five kidnappers. Three have been apprehended. Security agents are going after the remaining two and their collaborators.”
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Catherine Anene, also confirmed the operation
She said, “Operation is ongoing in Otukpo, and I am aware that some suspects have been arrested.”