Police operatives in Benue State foiled a kidnap attempt on Christmas Day, rescuing a man abducted by armed suspects along the Gboko–Makurdi Road. The victim, identified as Geoffrey Akume, was freed unhurt after a swift security response.
The incident occurred in the early hours of December 25 at Tiortu, a community along the busy highway. Akume was reportedly traveling from Gboko to Makurdi when gunmen intercepted his vehicle and forcefully dragged him away.
According to the Benue State Police Command, the attackers were attempting to move the victim into a nearby forest when police received a distress alert. Officers immediately launched coordinated patrols and an intensive search of the area.
As police sirens rang out and patrol teams closed in, the suspects abandoned Akume and fled into the surrounding forest. The victim escaped from his captors during the chaos, with no injuries recorded and no ransom paid.
Police officers subsequently took Akume to Abinse Police Station, where he was debriefed by the state Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari. He was later reunited with his family.
The police command praised the officers involved for their speed, professionalism, and courage. Emenari said the successful rescue reflects the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property, especially during the festive season.
He also assured residents that security operations across the state have been strengthened. According to the police, patrols, stop-and-search activities, and intelligence-led operations have been intensified in strategic locations to deter criminal activity.
Residents were urged to remain alert and report suspicious movements promptly through police stations or emergency channels. The command confirmed that efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.
