Victim Runs Into Her Kidnappers At Motor Park, Raises Alarm, Police Arrests Them, Recovers N11m

By Ayodele Oni

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia has directed the state commissioner of police to ensure immediate prosecution of three suspected kidnappers arrested at a motor park in the state.

A young woman (name withheld), had reportedly spotted three persons at the Ihotu Motor Park, who had previously abducted and tormented her. She courageously held unto one of them and raised an alarm.

The incident led to the arrest of three suspected Fulani kidnappers and the recovery of ₦11 million in cash, believed to be ransom money from her former abductors, as they prepared to board the same vehicle with her to Makurdi, the state capital.

It was gathered that the suspects arrived at the popular Ihotu park with the intention of traveling to Makurdi.

But, in a twist of fate, they a boarded the same commercial vehicle with the young woman they had previously kidnapped and released after a ransom was paid.

The victim who immediately recognized her abductors carrying a bag they had confiscated from her while in their captivity, raised an alarm and physically restrained one of the suspects inside the vehicle.

The other two suspects who attempted to flee the scene on foot, were quickly overpowered and apprehended by a mob of drivers and commuters at the park.

A search of the suspects’ belongings by the park authorities revealed a large ‘Ghana-Must-Go’ bag, from which the sum of ₦11 million was discovered.

In view of the volatile atmosphere, it was gathered that the Ihotu park manager contacted military authorities, apparently to avert a potential jungle justice from the large crowd that had assembled.

A joint team of soldiers and police officers who arrived at the scene, swiftly took the suspects and the recovered funds into custody and escorted them to the local station alongside the victim, who gave a formal statement.

The incident has since gone viral across the state, following which the State Governor Hyacinth Alia, reportedly contacted the State Commissioner of Police, expressing personal interest in the case and demanding that the suspects be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Meanwhile, the suspects have since been transferred under heavy security escort to the State Police Command Headquarters in Makurdi, for thorough investigation.