In a successful joint operation, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), in collaboration with the police and other security agencies, have executed a daring rescue mission in Benue, resulting in the liberation of 9 kidnap victims and the apprehension of two suspects.
Maj. Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, the Force Commander of OPWS, shared the triumphant news with newsmen on Thursday in Makurdi.
The operation unfolded on Tuesday in the dense Owukpa forest, located in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of the state.
The rescued individuals, comprising eight females and a male, had fallen victim to kidnappers during transit in a commercial bus along Otukpo – Enugu Road on January 11.
Maj. Gen. Igbinomwanhia explained that the swift and decisive action of the military, backed by collaborative efforts, led to the kidnappers fleeing their hideout during a firefight. The victims were left unharmed in the process.
According to Maj. Gen. Igbinomwanhia, among the items recovered at the scene were an AK-47 rifle and 10 mobile phones.
Following the rescue, Maj. Gen. Igbinomwanhia said that the victims were promptly moved to the Sector Headquarters for immediate First Aid attention. After debriefing, they were allowed to continue their journey to their respective destinations.
The Force commander said that suspects apprehended and items recovered during the operation have been handed over to the police for further legal action.
Rising kidnappings in Benue
The recent kidnapping and abduction issues in Benue state are very serious and worrisome.
According to earlier reports by The Informant247, there have been several incidents of gunmen attacking and kidnapping people in different parts of the state.
Some victims have been rescued ever since the launch of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
However, some of the victims are still in the hands of the kidnappers, who demand ransom for their release.
The state government and the security agencies have been trying to address the situation and restore law and order in the state.