The Benue State Police Command has successfully rescued Chief Dickson Idu, the Ward Head of Ehatakpe community in Ohimini Local Government Area, who was abducted on Wednesday by suspected armed Fulani herdsmen.
According to a reliable source who spoke on condition of anonymity, Chief Idu was kidnapped from his residence in Ohimini LGA, prompting swift action from the state police authorities. The Commissioner of Police immediately directed the Acting Area Commander Otukpo, the Officer-in-Charge of the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and a team of officers to launch a coordinated rescue mission.
“At approximately 8:45 am, a combined team of armed conventional policemen, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and personnel from the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, supported by local Ohimini youths, initiated an intense search operation in the Ojanu/Ijami Village forest,” the source revealed.
The team employed tactical measures including the use of smoke canisters to flush out the kidnappers. The strategy proved effective, and by about 3:25 pm, the abductors, overwhelmed by the pressure, released Chief Idu.
The Ward Head was safely rescued, debriefed by authorities, and reunited with his family in good health. While no arrests have been made yet, police authorities have confirmed that investigations are ongoing and efforts to apprehend the culprits are in progress.
The Benue State Police Command commended the synergy between security forces and the local community, stressing its commitment to ensuring the safety of all residents.
