…. arrest 5 suspects for murder
The Benue State Command of the Nigeria Police has rescued 10 kidnap victims from the hands of kidnappers at Gaya Village, Utange council ward in Kastina Ala Local Government Area of the state.
According to the Commissioner Of Police, Benue State Command, CP Okoro Julius, three suspects were arrested in relation to the abduction of Dr. Etito Obadiah and nine other individuals found in the kidnappers’ den.
The Commissioner of Police, Okoro Julius said this during his maiden press briefing at the Police headquarters, Makurdi on Monday.
He said, “On my arrival to Benue State Police Command as Commissioner of Police, I have taken time to interact with my predecessor and other stakeholders to be able to understand the current position of security in Benue State.
“In line with my findings, I have re-strategized and drawn a plan to rid Benue state of criminality. This is why I have invited you to join me in this fight. The Command has been able to carry out operations that yielded results.
“On 13/05/2023 at about 1900 hours, information was received that Dr. Etito Obadiah, a medical doctor with Federal Medical Center, Makurdi was kidnapped at Judges quarters and his kidnappers had started negotiation for ransom.
“During the investigation, a team of Operation Zenda, JTF trailed the kidnappers to their hideout at Gaya village, Utange council ward of Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue state.
“On sighting the Police, the kidnappers engaged them (police) in a gun duel that claimed the life of one of the kidnappers; three suspects were arrested, while others escaped into a nearby bush with bullet wounds.
“Ten kidnap victims including the doctor were rescued unhurt.
“Items recovered from them include; one locally fabricated AK47 rifle with 10 rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition, two single barrel rifles, one locally made barrette pistol loaded with three rounds of .9mm live ammunition, and two military uniforms. Investigation is ongoing.”
Also speaking on the second operation, the Police Commissioner said, “On 21/5/2023 at about 1200hrs, while Police teams were on patrol along Makurdi-Lafia road, information was received that some gunmen had accosted a vehicle conveying passengers to Enugu at Daudu with intent to move the passengers to an unknown destination and request for ransom.
“The Police swiftly moved to the scene. On sighting the Police, suspects abandoned their victims and took to their heels. They also abandoned a bag containing military camouflage uniforms and wooden guns.
“Victims have since been released to continue with their journey while the investigation is ongoing to arrest suspects at large”, he said.
In another development, the Police Command in Benue has arrested five cultists who allegedly killed and dismembered the body of one Moses Babatunde in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
According to him, the police received information on Saturday at 1.45 pm that an unknown corpse was seen at the Edikwu river bank with its internal organs removed.
“A team of detectives was deployed to the area for investigation, and the investigation revealed that the lifeless body was that of one Moses Babatunde, aged 29 years, who was last seen sitting with his friends at a burial ceremony.
“The following suspects have been arrested in connection with the case: Idoko Omoru, Emmanuel Eze, Emmanuel Obande, Ameh Peter, and Sunday,” Okoro said.
He further stated that an investigation was ongoing to unravel the mystery behind the death and removal of Babatunde’s internal organs.
