The Police in Benue State have rescued a kidnapped Catholic priest and seven other victims following a rescue operation in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Peter Aondongu, in a statement issued on Monday, noted that two suspects were arrested in connection with the abduction.
He stated that the victims, excluding the priest, were abducted by armed men on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, while returning from a village market along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, before Ipiga village in Ohimini LGA.
Aondongu also said that the victims were rescued in two batches, with two regaining freedom on October 16 and six others on Sunday, October 18.
The PPRO added that the rescued victims were subsequently taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for medical examination and treatment.
He listed the names of the two suspects arrested as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel, during the rescue operations.
Aondongu said that the suspects were assisting police with the ongoing investigation, while efforts were being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the criminal gang.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the operatives for their prompt response and professionalism in securing the victims’ freedom.
He also acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Police Mobile Force.
The police commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations to combat kidnapping and other violent crimes in the state.
He urged residents to provide timely and credible information to the police, particularly on suspicious movements and activities, to strengthen ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity.
