The Benue State Police Command has foiled a kidnapping attempt and rescued five people along the Ugbokpo–Agatu road in Apa Local Government Area of the state.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 7:45 p.m. on March 13 while the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Apa was conducting visibility policing and confidence-building patrol along the Ugbokpo–Agatu axis.
According to the sources, when the patrol team arrived in Ojantelle community, they encountered suspected kidnappers who had earlier intercepted a Sharon vehicle with registration number EGB 407 YS.
The vehicle, driven by Danladi John, was carrying four passengers and was travelling from Ugbokpo to Agatu before it was stopped by the armed suspects.
Police operatives immediately engaged the kidnappers, leading to a gun battle that forced the attackers to abandon the victims and flee into nearby bushes.
All five occupants of the vehicle were rescued unharmed and were later allowed to continue their journey.
Following the incident, police operatives began a search operation in the surrounding bushes to track down the fleeing suspects.
The command assured residents that efforts are ongoing to apprehend those responsible and further strengthen security along the road.
