The Nigerian Army has rescued a corps member and several hostages who were kidnapped in Benue State, marking a significant victory in the fight against abductions in the region.
Troops from the 401 Special Forces Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working alongside Sector One, have successfully rescued a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member and six other individuals who were kidnapped in Tse-Annaka. This location is situated along the Wukari/Zaki-Biam route within Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
The corps member was identified as Samuel Muekara, a 29-year-old law graduate.
Additional rescued victims, abducted on various dates and times from the same location, include Anaelechi Bob (32), Ayuba Luka (28), Ibrahim Umar (30), Rabiu Muhammad (48), Buhari Ahmadu Saleh (17), and Blessing Ayuba (47).
A security officer, speaking to DAILY POST on the condition of anonymity, identified those responsible for terrorizing the Sankara region as “Full Fire,” Ayongo, Chen and his group.
He stated that the bandits were part of the gang led by Benue’s notorious criminal kingpin, the late Terwase Akwaza, also known as Gana.
The people living in those areas are well aware of these infamous armed bandits, but when asked for information about them, they often pretend not to know anything.
“The public needs to realize that security is a collective responsibility for everyone. Communities should willingly provide essential information to security agencies, particularly our troops, to assist in identifying criminals within their midst,” he stated.
Some of the rescued victims, who spoke at the military camp in Zaki–Biam within Ukum local government area where they were taken, recounted being kidnapped and held captive for days until military troops intervened.
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Some of us were taken to neighboring settlements, including Chito village, Adamawa village, Atereyange village, Ututu village, and Pevkyaa village—all located in the Ukum local government area—where these heavily armed bandits are using as their hideouts.
These armed bandits have turned kidnapping in these communities into their primary source of income, carrying out these acts openly and without fear.
“They are residing with their families, who often bring them food in their hiding places. Those living nearby witness these wrongdoings but feel powerless to speak up due to concerns for their safety.”
One of the victims recounted that Rabiu Muhammad, who had come to deliver a ransom for his cousin Ibrahim Umar, ended up being kidnapped himself after making the payment.
Another victim, identified as Blessing Ayuba, recounted that she was abducted when she arrived to pay a ransom for her son, Luka Ayuba.
The rescued youth corps member stated that although the families of seven victims collectively raised over N20 million and paid it as a ransom, along with other valuables worth millions of naira being forcibly taken from them, they were still held captive until military forces came to their rescue.
