By Amos Aar
The Benue State Police Command has announced the arrest of 12 suspects in connection with the alleged abduction of Benue State Commissioner of Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Ekpe Ogbu, on December 4, 2022 and other kidnappings in the state.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent of Police (SP) Sewuese Anene, made the announcement in a statement stating that the suspects include one Mohammed Usman Omachoko, David Ejembi, Aondongu Akighir, Teryima Peter and 9 other gang members whose names were not included in the statement.
The PPRO further stated that the arrest of the hoodlums was made following the deployment of tactical teams to Benue South where kidnap activities, killings and armed robbery have become very rampant.
“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Mr Wale Abass, ordered the deployment of tactical teams to southern part of the state to address kidnap syndicates grouping in the area.
“As a result of this deployment, men of Operation Zenda JTF trailed and arrested the following persons in connection with the case of kidnap that happened on 4/12/2022 involving the Commissioner for Housing/Urban Development, Hon. Anthony Ogbu and other kidnap incidents reported in the area. One Mohammed Usman Omachoko, who specialize in preparing protection charms for kidnappers, David Ejembi, Aondongu Akighir AKA “Too Proud” and Teryima Peter were also arrested while they were on their way to purchase guns for the group. Further investigation led to the arrest of nine other gang members. Two locally made Baretta pistol loaded with 10 rounds of 9mm ammunition were recovered from them. Suspect confessed to the crime,” the statement reads in part.
SP Anene said the state Police Commissioner, Mr Abass, has assured the people of Benue South and the entire state that the operations will be sustained and will pave the way for a hitch-free 2023 general elections.
