Police Rescues Kidnapped Wife Of Benue Commissioner, Gun Down Three Suspects

Mrs. Ann Umenge, the wife of Benue State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals, was rescued by the State Police Command on Monday morning following a gun battle in Makurdi that left three kidnap gang members dead. 

Her kidnappers had wanted a ransom of N51 million in exchange for her release.

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.

However, it’s been reported that one of the gang’s victims, who was kidnapped last Saturday and released on Sunday after paying his ransom, supplied crucial information that led to the gang’s hideout in Makurdi’s Nyiman Layout area being tracked down. 

“When news of Mrs. Unenge and other housewives’ kidnapping trickled into town, Governor Ortom issued a marching order that all hands must be on deck to track down the gang and assure the victims’ rescue,” the police source said. 

With that plan in place, the police swung into action and in only a few hours, the gang’s hideout was discovered, and the cops swooped in, rescuing the captives, including Mrs. Unenge, and murdering three gang members in a gunfight.” 

Meanwhile, Deputy Superintendent, DSP, Catherine Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer, revealed in an interview that five other criminals were apprehended alive during the rescue effort, while three perished from gunshot wounds. 

“Mrs. Unenge and another individual were rescued. The scene yielded one AK47 rifle fully loaded with a double magazine and two double barrel weapons completely filled with ammunition.

“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.”