The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of a Catholic priest and seven other abducted people in Ohimini Local Government Area, with two suspects arrested in connection with the operation.

According to the police, the victims were rescued in two groups following an abduction involving armed men along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road. Investigators are continuing efforts to apprehend other suspects who reportedly escaped.

The rescue operation, announced by the command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, marks a development in the police response to the reported kidnapping in the area.

Key Takeaways

• Eight people rescued: The victims included a Catholic priest and seven other people.
• Two suspects arrested: Police identified the suspects as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel.
• Abduction reported on October 13: The other victims were reportedly kidnapped while returning from a village market in Ohimini LGA.
• Rescue carried out in two stages: Two victims regained their freedom on October 16, while six others were rescued on October 18.
• Medical checks arranged: The rescued victims were taken to a teaching hospital in Otukpo for medical checks and treatment.
• Investigation ongoing: Police said efforts were continuing to track down other members of the suspected gang.

How the Abduction and Rescue Unfolded

DSP Peter Aondongu said the victims, apart from the priest, were abducted by armed men on October 13, 2026, while returning from a village market.

The incident reportedly occurred along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, before Ipiga village in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to the police spokesperson, the victims were rescued in two groups. Two regained their freedom on October 16, while the remaining six were rescued on Sunday, October 18.

Following the operation, the rescued victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for medical checks and treatment.

The police account did not provide further details about the condition of each victim or explain the circumstances surrounding the priest’s reported abduction. Those details should be confirmed through an official update before being added to the report.

Police Arrest Two Suspects as Search Continues

The police spokesperson identified the two arrested suspects as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel.

Aondongu said the suspects were assisting investigators as the command continued efforts to track down other members of the suspected gang who escaped arrest.

The arrests form part of the investigation into the abduction and rescue. However, the suspects’ arrest does not establish guilt, and any allegations against them should remain attributed to the police unless determined through the appropriate legal process.

The command has not provided further details in the supplied report about the suspects’ alleged individual roles or whether additional arrests have been made.

Benue Police Commissioner Commends Officers

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, praised the officers involved in the rescue operation, commending their response and professionalism.

Nwadiogbu 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 commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at tackling kidnapping and other violent crimes across the state.

The police response places emphasis on intelligence gathering and coordination as part of efforts to prevent further attacks and apprehend suspects. The effectiveness of these measures will depend on the progress of ongoing investigations and future security operations.

Police Urge Residents to Report Suspicious Activity

The Benue State Police Command has urged residents to provide timely and reliable information about suspicious movements and activities.

According to the command, information from the public could assist security operatives in preventing further attacks and identifying people suspected of involvement in criminal activity.

Police also said efforts were continuing to apprehend the suspects who reportedly fled.

Residents with relevant information should contact the appropriate police authorities through verified official channels. Any information provided should be accurate and shared responsibly to support investigations and protect public safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many people were rescued by the police in Benue State?

According to the supplied report, eight people were rescued: a Catholic priest and seven other abducted people.

2. Where were the victims rescued?

The victims were rescued in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

3. When did the abduction take place?

The police said the other victims were abducted on October 13, 2026, while returning from a village market along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road, before Ipiga village.

4. How were the victims rescued?

The police spokesperson said the victims were rescued in two groups. Two regained their freedom on October 16, while six others were rescued on October 18.

5. Who are the suspects arrested by the police?

The police identified the arrested suspects as Echefu Emmanuel and Obonyilor Emmanuel. They were reportedly assisting investigators at the time of the statement.

6. Where were the rescued victims taken?

The victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for medical checks and treatment.

7. Are the police still searching for other suspects?

Yes. According to the supplied report, the police said efforts were continuing to apprehend other members of the suspected gang who escaped arrest.

8. What has the police command asked residents to do?

The command urged residents to report suspicious movements and activities through appropriate official channels and provide timely, reliable information that could assist security operations.