Kidnap Kingpin, 21 Others Nabbed in Benue Community

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

A joint team of police operatives from the Benue State Command and Enugu State has arrested an alleged kidnap kingpin along with 21 others at Orokam in Ogbadibo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

The suspected gang leader, identified as Yusuf Muhammed, was picked up alongside his accomplices following a series of kidnapping incidents in the area.

Findings by our correspondent revealed that Muhammed, popularly known among his gang members as “OC Torture”, was apprehended after days of intensive surveillance by security operatives. Sources disclosed that some victims who survived his captivity identified him, which greatly aided in tracking his movements.

The crackdown comes in the wake of rising cases of abductions in the locality, including the killing of a woman and her visiting son after a failed kidnap attempt. The surge in criminal activities had earlier forced the Chairman of Ogbadibo LGA, Sunday Ajunwa, to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Orokam two weeks ago following residents’ protests.

Speaking on the development, a source explained:

> “The Commissioner of Police deployed a tactical team, the Mobile Police squad, and personnel of Civil Protection Guards to comb Orokam and its environs. Their effort paid off with the arrest of the suspects. This shows that with the cooperation of locals, security agencies can effectively check crime in society.”

Confirming the arrest, Ogbadibo LGA Chairman, Mr. Sunday Ajunwa, said:

> “It is true that Yusuf was arrested by the combined team of police from Makurdi and Enugu, supported by local vigilantes. He attempted to escape, but youths gave him a hot chase and caught him. Victims he abducted have already testified to how he tortured them in captivity. He is now in police custody along with 21 others.

> Yusuf is a Fulani man. The security situation in Orokam is now stable, though the curfew from 6pm to 6am remains in place. I may consider lifting it after consultations with security agencies and stakeholders.”

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to be formally briefed on the matter.

> “I think the officer in Orokam is supposed to send us the official report for confirmation. As of now, I have not received any information,” she stated.