Attah Ede, Makurdi
Troops of Exercise Enduring Peace III, a joint military operation recently launched in Benue State to tackle insecurity, on Saturday, rescued seven kidnapped victims in Ogumula community in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security, Chief Joseph Har, revealed this during in an interactive session with newsmen on Saturday, in Makurdi,
He however said the troops made up of soldiers of the 72 battalion and 401 Brigade rescued the victims after they launched a search following credible intelligence.
Har explained that he had received information on movement of some kidnappers with victims around Igaji general area and had quickly alerted troops of Exercise Enduring Peace III who moved in swiftly and rescued the victims.
“The rescue operation was carried out by Troops of 72 Battalion and that of 401 Brigade Makurdi in conjunction with Civilians Joint Task Force, (CJTF).
According to him, the victims were kidnapped at about 5pm on October 9, 2023, at Ogumula village and were rescued at about 6am on October 13, 2023.
“The troops in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force, (CJTF) swiftly responded, combed the area in search of the kidnap victims and rescued seven persons.”
“The criminals on sighting the troops ran in disarray leaving behind the victims due to superior power of the troops”.
He identified the rescued victims to includes; 19 year-old James Ebeh, Mary Ejeh 40 yrs, Flora Alfa 32 years, Mary John, 27 years, Ogumula Sunday 18 years, Fidelis Ogumala 55 years, and Stephen Onihi 43 years.
The Security Adviser said the rescued victims were handed over to the village head, Chief Peter Ottoh Adakola in the presence of the youth leader Iduma Fidelis and others, after which they were taken to the general hospital in Otukpo for immediate medical attentions.
Har who urged the people to remain calm, said the troops are on ground to fight crime in the state, stressing that the state government led by Governor Hyacinth Alia is committed to ensuring protection of lives and properties of residents.
He warned those involved in mischief and criminality to desist from such acts and take advantage of window of peace offered by the Governor as the stick approach will be drastic and ruthless.
Recalled that the kidnapping of some of these people triggered mass protest by women and youths from Ojali village in Ohimini local government area of Benue state, on Friday.
The protesters barricaded the Otukpo/Adoka/Oweto express way demanding for jungle justice for one of the Kidnappers who was captured by the villagers but later taken into custody by police in the area.
