George Okoh
Three kidnappers were yesterday feared killed by a special police squad known as Operation ZENDA during the battle to rescue the wife of Benue State Commissioner for Lands and Survey, Mrs. Ann Unenge.
Unenge was abducted last Thursday in Makurdi by some gunmen while on her way back from Guma Local Government Area, the council area of the state 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 area but the kidnappers shot into the air to scare people away.
It was also gathered that the police trailed the abductors to a location at the welfare quarter area of Makurdi, and in a gun duel, the police shot dead three of the criminals.
The state Governor, Ortom, who had gone to the state Police Headquarters to see the rescued victim, lauded the police for exhibiting professionalism in rescuing his commissioner’s wife.
He said: “Instead of negotiating and paying ransom, this is the way to go. The police risked their lives and were able to trail these kidnappers and apprehended them after a heavy gun duel. Some of them escaped, but I 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 the state as they will not go scot free. The government and security agencies will not relent in securing the lives and property of the people.
“I have also 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 law.”
Also, while confirming the report, the state Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO), DSP Catherine Anene, disclosed that five suspects were arrested on August 1, while three died from gunshot injuries during the rescue mission.
“Mrs. Unenge and one other person were rescued; one AK-47 rifle fully loaded with double magazines and two double barrel guns fully loaded with ammunition were also recovered from the suspects,” she said.
