Police Eliminate Kidnapper, Rescue Abducted Benue Community Leader

Men of the Benue State Police Command have rescued a community leader, Emmanuel Tor Yaji, who was abducted by gunmen.

Yaji, the leader of the Kunav United Development Association, was whisked away around 10 pm on Monday while in a gathering of his friends at his village, Tsar Mbaduku, in Vandeikya Local Government Area.

The spokesperson of the command, SP. Anene Sewuese Catherine, who confirmed the development in a statement said one of the abductors was killed during the rescue operation on Tuesday.

According to the PPRO, one of the suspects was arrested while two others took to their heels.

“Following report of the kidnap of Mr. Emmanuel Tor Yaji in Vandeikya Local Government Area, an intense rescue operation was launched. On 31/12/2024 at about 1300hrs, the police team in Kwande Local Government Area located the kidnappers at Nambe Adikpo town and engaged them in a gun duel,” the statement read.

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“One of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. One of the suspects was arrested while two others took to their heels. Further investigation to arrest suspects at large is ongoing.

“Items recovered deceased suspect include one (1) AK-47 rifle loaded with twelve (12) rounds of live ammunition and three (3) AK-47 magazine.

“The victim was rescued unhurt and has been reunited with friends and family.”