Gov Ortom orders immediate demolition of kidnappers’ building as police rescues Benue Commissioner’s wife

Story from Kenneth AFOR, Lagos

Samuel Ortom Benue State Governor has ordered immediate demolition of the building where the wife of the state commissioner, Ann Unenge was kept during her kidnap last week.

This is coming after the police in the state rescued the victim and her driver on Monday.

According to reports, three suspected kidnappers were killed in a gun battle with the security agencies while the woman and her driver who sustained injuries had been taken to the hospital for treatment.

Unenge, the wife of the commissioner for Lands and Survey, was abducted last Thursday in Makurdi metropolis with her driver.

She was kidnapped less than one week after two housewives, including a medical doctor’s wife, were also taken away at the new GRA in Makurdi.

It was learnt that the housewives regained freedom after a ransom of N6 million was paid by their families, while the abductors demanded N51 million for her release.

The state governor, who led members of his cabinet to the police headquarters where the dead bodies of the suspects were displayed, hailed the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and his men in the state for their bravery.

Ortom said the police showed professionalism in engaging the suspected kidnappers in a heavy gun battle after they were able to trace them to their hideouts.

The governor also thanked residents who volunteered useful information which led to the rescue of the woman and her driver.

Meanwhile, DSP Catherine Anene, the police command spokesperson, said details of the rescue operation will soon be made available to journalists.