By HeadlineNews.News Correspondent
Benue State, Nigeria — In a significant breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in Benue State, security operatives have successfully apprehended three members of a notorious five-man kidnapping syndicate that has long terrorized residents of Otukpo and surrounding communities.
The arrest took place in Ogoli-Ugboju, a community within the Otukpo Local Government Area, following a coordinated operation involving local vigilante groups and law enforcement agencies.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Hon. Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the development in a statement posted on his official Facebook page. He lauded the efforts of the security team and local informants whose vigilance and cooperation led to the successful capture.
> “I am pleased to inform our people that three of the criminals behind recent abductions in Otukpo have been apprehended. This is a step forward in restoring peace and confidence in our communities,” Ogiri wrote.
A Reign of Terror Brought to a Halt
According to sources familiar with the investigation, the arrested suspects are believed to be part of a gang responsible for multiple high-profile abductions in the Otukpo axis over recent months. Their modus operandi reportedly involved targeting both local residents and travelers along rural routes, often demanding ransom payments in the millions of naira.
One local resident, who asked not to be named for security reasons, described the atmosphere in the town before the arrest as “tense and fearful.”
“People have stopped going out at night, and many were afraid to travel. These boys have caused sleepless nights in this community,” he said.
Ongoing Investigation and Manhunt
Authorities have confirmed that the remaining two members of the gang are currently at large, and efforts are ongoing to track them down. Hon. Ogiri has urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, promising continued support from the local government to strengthen security infrastructure.
“We will not rest until every criminal hiding in our midst is brought to justice,” Ogiri emphasized. “Our communities must no longer be playgrounds for kidnappers and bandits.”
Community Support and Vigilante Role
The arrest has been widely praised by citizens and civil society groups in Benue State, with many highlighting the vital role played by local vigilante units in complementing the efforts of the police and military.
The Otukpo Security Watch, a local neighborhood watch group, also released a statement applauding the arrest and calling for the prosecution of the suspects without delay.
“These arrests must lead to convictions. We cannot allow the cycle of catch-and-release to continue,” said the group’s spokesperson.
A Broader Security Challenge
Benue State, particularly the southern belt that includes Otukpo, has witnessed a spike in violent crime in recent years, with kidnapping, armed robbery, and herdsmen-related attacks destabilizing rural economies and driving displacement.
The latest arrests represent a glimmer of hope in an otherwise troubling security landscape, and residents are hopeful that continued collaboration between government, security forces, and local stakeholders will deliver lasting peace.
HeadlineNews.News will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as further details emerge regarding the prosecution of the suspects and the ongoing manhunt for the remaining gang members.
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Dr. Imran Khazaly
Headlinenews.news
