Suspected Kidnappers Rearrested in Ihotu Park After Encounter With Former Victim; N11 Million Recovered
Three suspected kidnappers were apprehended at Ihotu Park while attempting to board a vehicle to Makurdi after they were recognized by a woman they had allegedly abducted and released earlier following ransom payment. The woman raised an alarm at the park when she saw the men carrying a bag she identified as hers, which she said had been taken during her abduction. She held onto one of the suspects inside the vehicle while two others fled but were quickly caught by people in the area.
A Ghana-must-go bag found with the suspects at the back of the vehicle contained N11 million in cash, which was counted openly at the station in the presence of witnesses. Tension rose at the park as a crowd gathered and attempted to set the suspects ablaze. The situation was brought under control after the Ihotu park manager alerted security agencies, and both soldiers and police intervened to rescue the men from mob action.
The woman who raised the alarm followed the suspects to the police station to give her statement. While at the station, a second woman also came forward and identified the same men as her kidnappers. The Benue State Governor reportedly contacted the Commissioner of Police to express personal interest in the case. The suspects have since been transferred to Makurdi for further investigation, with both victims accompanying officers to assist.
Police have not yet released the names of the suspects. Investigations are ongoing to verify the victims’ claims, trace the source of the recovered N11 million, and determine if the suspects are linked to other abduction cases in the state.
