In a development that brings relief to families and loved ones of the kidnapped victims, the residents and neighboring communities of Orokam in Benue state are celebrating as the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards have successfully rescued the kidnapped individuals.
The operation was carried out under the leadership of the commendable Commander of Ogbadigbo Local Government, Comrade Austine Enejor, in collaboration with the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Police Force, and the general public.
The incident unfolded on January 11, 2024, when Comrade Austine Enejor received a distress call reporting rampant kidnappings along the Orokam Ugbolo road.
The alarming report indicated that 45 individuals had been abducted around 9:30 pm on January 15, 2024.
Acting swiftly, Comrade Austine Enejor, on patrol with his team, encountered 36 individuals, both male and female, who had been released by the kidnappers. The survivors shared harrowing experiences of their ordeal.
Following the encounter, Comrade Austine Enejor mobilized the police and army for a comprehensive operation. Today, on January 16, 2024, they ventured into the forest, engaging the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle. With the grace of God, they successfully brought down some of the criminals and recovered an AK47 machine gun rifle along with other items.
However, the operation came at a cost as one of the officers, a member of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, sustained serious injuries from a gunshot. Currently undergoing treatment at an undisclosed hospital in Benue, the wounded officer’s sacrifice is acknowledged and appreciated.
The public is urged to resume their normal activities while remaining vigilant and promptly reporting any suspicious activities within their communities to relevant authorities.