Security Task Force Rescued 11 Kidnapped Victims in Benue

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

No fewer than 11 Kidnapped victims abducted by armed bandits from different axis across Benue State, have been rescued by a joint security task force in the State.

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, disclosed this while briefing newsmen on Thursday, August 7, 2025,  after an emergency Security meeting held at  Government House, Makurdi.

He said  the victims were rescued by the Joint Task Force of the Security Agencies from the Sankera axis comprises of Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala local governments, respectively.

Fr. Alia who commended the security agencies for their numerous efforts towards riding the State of criminality, assured that his administration would continue to do everything possible in collaborating with the security agencies, to ensure the safety of Benue communities.

He further  assured that the government would not relent in a bid to protect the State borders, against bandits, and other criminal elements terrorizing the peaceful environment of the citizens.

“I want to thank all the security agencies in the State for their efforts to ensure the protection of lives of our citizens. Out of the 11 victims, Three are from Benue State, three from Taraba State, Two from Cross River, and Two from Ebonyi States, respectively.

“It’s quite a horrifying experience for what they went through in the hands of the kidnappers, with a lot of trauma, within the locations, but we thank God that this day, having spent sometime under those terrible human beings, some operations were carried out at the Sankera axis, and they have been rescued.

“I want to thank you the victims for your resilience in those trying moments. Our hearts are with you, and your families. The operatives in the State will continue to work so hard to ensure that they get rid of the bad eggs in our communities.

 We thank the Federal Government who sent in well armed security personnel to come in and support the efforts we are doing here, to rescue the victims”, he said.

The Governor, also assured of his commitment to continue to support the security Agencies in the State, to work hard and flush out criminal elements in Benue State, disrupting the peace of the people, and promised to take care of the victims, and support them to go back to their respective states, and unite with their families.

Governor Alia, however, expressed sadness over the situation, saying that some of the victims, according to security reports, stayed in captivity for two months, and thanked Operation Whirl Stroke, Department of State Service, the Police, and Nigeria Civil Defense Corps, and other members of the Joint Taskforce, for ensuring the safety of the victims.

 Earlier, the Director-General, Bureau for Homeland Security in the State, Rtd Air Commodore Jacob Gbamwuan, while presenting the victims to the Governor,  said it was through the swift efforts of the Governor, and the help of the security agencies in the State, that the victims were rescued.