Army rescues two kidnap victims

Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke have rescued two kidnap victims after confronting suspected kidnappers alongside the Naka–Ahume Road in Benue State, the navy has mentioned.

The troops encountered the armed suspects throughout a preventing patrol on Saturday, 24 October, whereas the assailants have been allegedly making an attempt to abduct motorists and different highway customers.

In an announcement issued on Sunday, Ahmad Zubairu, the performing media info officer of the duty pressure, mentioned the troops engaged the suspects in a gunfight, forcing them to desert their captives and flee.

He mentioned the troops pursued the fleeing suspects however didn’t make additional contact with them.

One of the rescued victims, Mngunengen Ihom, 36, from Ahume, sustained machete wounds through the incident and was taken to Naka General Hospital for remedy. The navy didn’t disclose the identification of the second sufferer.

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The Force Commander of Operation Whirl Stroke, Moses Gara, urged troops to maintain intelligence-led operations and enhance intelligence gathering to stop assaults.

He additionally urged residents to supply credible and well timed info to safety companies.

The rescue comes amid recurring safety issues in Benue, together with assaults and kidnappings alongside roads and in rural communities.

On 13 October, gunmen kidnapped Catholic priest John Inalegwu Otache and different individuals alongside the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe-Awume Road in Benue. In an announcement on 19 October, the police mentioned eight victims had been rescued and two suspects arrested, however didn’t affirm whether or not the priest was amongst these rescued.

The newest incident underscores persevering with issues in regards to the security of travellers on roads within the state, the place armed teams have focused motorists and different residents.