Troops rescue 34 kidnapped victims in Benue –DHQ

The Defence Headquarters says the troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE has rescued about 34 kidnapped victims, apprehended suspected kidnappers and recovered a cache of arms and ammunition in Benue.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Mr Enenche, a major-general, said the success was recorded following a credible intelligence on the activities of a notorious kidnap syndicate operating in Igbom village in Nenzev council ward of Logo Local Government Area.

He said the troops of Sector 2 and 4 carried out a raid operation on a suspected kidnappers den at Tomayin village in Logo on July 16, killing their ring leaders.

According to him, the troops engaged the criminal elements in hot pursuit leading to the killing of one Zwa Ikyegh identified as the ring leader and others escaped with various degrees of gunshots wounds.

“The successful encounter led to the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims some of whom have been in captivity for over a month.

“All the rescued kidnapped victims have been reunited with their families in different communities in Logo Local Government Area.

“Troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 magazine, 6 locally made rifle, one locally-made pistol and a magazine.

“Others include 22 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 2 cartridges, 2 motorcycles and some Charms and the hideout has been equally destroyed,” he said.

Mr Enenche said the troops also responded to a distress call on another kidnapping incident at Austoma in Mbanema Council ward of Ukum Local Government Area.

He said the troops promptly mobilised to the scene leading to the arrest of two suspects.

The suspects were identified as Sealemun and Orduem both of whom are linked to late Terugwa Igbagwa Aka Orjondu.

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He added that the troops recovered one motorcycle which the kidnappers were using for their heinous crimes.

According to him, the suspects are currently undergoing investigation after which they will be handed over to the Nigeria Police for further necessary action.

“Troops have continued to dominate the area with patrols and ambushes while normalcy has since been restored in the general area,” he said. (NAN)