Police rescue kidnapped wife of Benue Commissioner, kill 3 suspects

A joint team of Police has killed three suspected kidnappers and rescued wife of Benue Commissioner for Land and Survey Mrs. Ann Unenge who was kidnapped alongside her driver at the High Level Area of Makurdi town shortly after returning from Daudu a neigbouring town in Guma Local Government Area of the state. Her abductors had demanded a N51million ransom to ensure her release.

Three of the kidnappers were said to have been gunned down in a gun battle with the police on Monday afternoon, while the woman and her driver who sustained injuries were rescued alive and taken to the hospital for treatment.

Many residents are thronging to Benue Police Command headquarters to behold bodies of the suspects.

Mrs Unenge, the wife of the Benue State Commissioner of Lands and Survey, was whisked away alongside her driver on Thursday in Makurdi metropolis.

The woman’s abduction occurred less than one week after two housewives including a medical doctor’s wife, were also taken away at the new GRA in Makurdi.

According to the police source, “when the news of the kidnap of Mrs. Unenge and others housewives filtered into town Governor Ortom issued a marching order that all hands must be on deck to track down the gang and ensure the rescue of the victims.

“The Governor also directed that the relevant devise be procured immediately to track down the gang who according to one of the victims had their base in the heart of Makurdi town.

“With that devise the Police swung into action and in just few hours the hideout of the gang was established and the police swooped on them, rescued the victims including Mrs. Unenge and killed three of the gang members during a gun duel.”

It was learnt that the housewives regained freedom after a ransom of N6 million was paid by their families while the demand of N51 million was placed on the commissioner’s wife as at Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Deputy Superintendent, DSP, Catherine Anene in an interview disclosed that five other suspects were arrested alive wile three died from gunshot injuries during the rescue mission.

“Mrs. Unenge and one other person was rescued. One AK47 rifle fully loaded with double magazine and two double barrel guns fully loaded with ammunition were recovered from the scene.

“Some of the victims received gunshot injuries during the kidnap but they are currently receiving treatment at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi.

Those other five suspects were trailed and arrested at Welfare Quarters, Makurdi and one locally made gun was also recovered from them,” she said.

Meanwhile Governor Samuel Ortom who was at the Police Headquarters to receive the rescued victims commended the Police team for the swift intervention to reduce the victims.

The Governor who directed that the house used as operational base of the gang be demolished immediately said, “I commend the Commissioner who has been elevated to AIG and the Operation Zenda team for a job well done.

“No ransom was paid to secure the release of the victims and as a government we will continue to complement the efforts of the Police to enable them dutifully discharge their responsibilities.”