From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Wife of Benue State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Solid Minerals Mrs. Ann Unenge yesterday regained her freedom.
It was gathered that the Police trailed the abductors and in an exchange of gun duel, shot dead three of them.
Recall Mrs. Unenge was abducted last week Thursday, in Makurdi in her car by some gunmen while on her way back from Saudi, Guma local government area home country of Governor Samuel Ortom where she had gone to visit her parents.
It was learnt that she had attempted to escape as her abductors took the car through the ‘B’ Division Police Station located at High Level, but the kidnappers shot sporadically into the air to scare people away.
Governor Samuel Ortom, who had gone to the Police Headquarters to see the rescued victim, lauded the Police for exhibiting professionalism in rescuing his commissioner’s wife.
According to him, “Instead of negotiating and paying ransom, that was not done. The Police risked their lives and were able to trail these kidnappers and gunned them down after a heavy gun duel.
“ Some of them escaped but am sure they will be apprehended. They succeeded in rescuing my Commissioner’s wife and her driver who were kidnapped five days ago.
“As a government, we will continue to complement the Nigeria Police to do the needful. We are warning criminals to stay off as they will not go scot free. Government and security agencies will not relent in securing the lives and property of the people.”
The Governor adds” I have directed that the house where the kidnappers were operating from be demolished and the owner of the building should be arrested in line with the State Kidnapping law”.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations’ Officer DSP Catherine Anene said “5 suspects were initially arrested at Welfare Quarters on 1/8/2021 while 3 died from gunshot injuries on 2/8/2021 during the rescue mission as some suspects are still at large and are being trailed.”
She added that one AK47 rifle fully loaded with double magazine and two double barrel guns fully loaded with ammunition were recovered from the suspects.
“Victims received gunshot injuries during the kidnap but are currently receiving treatment at Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi”, DSP Anene explained.
