Benue Police Say 29 Kidnap Victims Rescued in October

Benue State Police Command said it rescued 29 kidnapped people and arrested 34 foreign nationals during security operations across the state in October, while investigations into the detainees’ immigration status continued. Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu announced the figures at a briefing in Makurdi on Tuesday, October 27. He said the 34 foreign nationals comprised 16 Cameroonians arrested in Otukpo on October 9 and 18 Nigeriens intercepted at Orokam on October 22. The Nigerien nationals were reportedly travelling to Ikom, Cross River State. Nwadiogbu said concerns about travel documents and the circumstances of the detainees’ entry prompted the arrests and interception. The police were investigating the cases, and the Nigeria Immigration Service was expected to help verify the nationals’ status and determine any further action under the law. The police account did not establish that the detainees had committed crimes. The commissioner said the 29 kidnapped people were freed in several operations during the month. Four passengers abducted after gunmen attacked a commercial vehicle on October 5 along the Uzer axis of Ayilamo-TseAbi Road in Logo Local Government Area...