Police arrest 4 over kidnapping, trafficking in Benue

The Police in Benue State have arrested four suspects in connection with kidnapping and human trafficking cases as part of intensified operations against violent crimes across the state. Police Spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said on Saturday that the arrest were made in separate operations. Edet said that detectives investigating a reported kidnapping incident in Ushongo […]

The Police in Benue State have arrested four suspects in connection with kidnapping and human trafficking cases as part of intensified operations against violent crimes across the state.

Police Spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said on Saturday that the arrest were made in separate operations.

Edet said that detectives investigating a reported kidnapping incident in Ushongo Local Government Area arrested three suspects, including a purported victim who allegedly conspired with others to stage his own abduction and demand a ransom of N7 million from his family.

She explained that the arrests followed a complaint that the young man had gone missing after accompanying a suspected acquaintance, prompting detectives to launch an investigation aided by technical intelligence that led to the arrest of the suspects in Katsina-Ala.

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She also noted that in a separate operation, the command uncovered a suspected human trafficking and job racketeering syndicate allegedly involved in luring young women with fake promises of employment opportunities abroad.

Edet said that preliminary investigation revealed that some victims were trafficked and subjected to exploitation and abuse before escaping and returning to Nigeria.

She confirmed the arrest of one suspect, noting that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate believed to be operating outside the country.

Meanwhile, the State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, assured residents of the command’s commitment to intensifying the fight against kidnapping, trafficking and other violent crimes in the state.