In a statement issued by the Comnand’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, on Friday, the police said the latest rescue operation represents a significant breakthrough in the Command’s efforts to disrupt the activities of the kidnappers.
According to the statement, the suspects fled the scene under cover of darkness, as the victims were rescued unhurt.
The Command said the rescued victims were taken to a medical facility for medical attention and thereafter transported to their respective destinations in a chartered bus.
Parts of the statement read, “The operation also highlighted the importance of accurate and comprehensive passenger manifest documentation. While the initial manifest indicated that nine victims remained to be rescued following the earlier rescue of five victims, subsequent verification established that four additional passengers had not been captured on the manifest, bringing the number of victims rescued during the latest operation to 13.”
The Command said it is currently intensifying efforts to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects, who were being pursued through sustained intelligence-led operations.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Cletus Nwadiogbu, commended the personnel of the Command for their courage, resilience and sustained efforts which have led to the safe rescue of the victims.
He assured the public that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to sustain operations against criminal elements across the State.
“The Command also advises transport operators to ensure that accurate and complete passenger manifests are maintained for every trip, as proper documentation is critical to facilitating timely identification, verification and rescue efforts during emergencies,” the statement added.
