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The Benue State Police Command has successfully thwarted a kidnapping attempt and rescued five individuals along the Ugbokpo–Agatu road in Apa Local Government Area of the state.
Security sources disclosed that the incident happened around 7:45 p.m. on March 13 while the Divisional Police Officer, DPO of Apa, was carrying out visibility policing and confidence-building patrol along the Ugbokpo–Agatu axis.
According to the sources, when the patrol team arrived in Ojantelle community, they came across suspected kidnappers who had earlier seized a Sharon vehicle with registration number EGB 407 YS.
The vehicle, driven by one Danladi John, had four passengers on board and was travelling from Ugbokpo to Agatu before it was stopped by the armed suspects.
Police operatives quickly confronted the kidnappers, leading to a gun battle that forced the assailants to abandon the victims and escape into nearby bushes.
All five occupants of the vehicle were rescued safely without injuries and later allowed to proceed with their journey.
Following the incident, police operatives launched a search operation in the surrounding bushes in a bid to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The command assured residents that efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators and further improve security along the road.
