Kidnappers abduct Poly rector, others, demand N70m

Kidnappers abduct Poly rector, others, demand N70m

Gunmen have kidnapped three staff members of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, including the acting Rector, Dr. Emmanuel Barki. The victims, who included two other management staff and their driver, were abducted on Thursday while returning to Ugbokolo from an official assignment in Makurdi, the state capital.

The kidnappers struck along the Otukpo/Otukpa Road and have demanded a ransom of N70 million.

“A source close to the rector’s family, who did not want to be mentioned as he was unauthorised to speak on the matter, said the kidnappers made contact with the family and demanded a N70 million ransom,” according to a report.

The immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Benue State chapter, Augustine Leva, visited the family of the acting rector on Friday and prayed for their safe release. Leva also called on the state government to improve the security situation in the state to prevent such incidents.

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“The incident happened but I’m not aware they demanded ransom but security men are combing the bushes to rescue them,” said Joseph Har, the Security Adviser to the state governor.

The state police command has confirmed the abduction and is investigating the incident. “Incident confirmed and investigation is ongoing,” said Catherine Anene, the spokesman for the state police command.

This is not the first time kidnapping has occurred in the state. In late May 2024, two female students of the Joseph Sarwuan University of Agriculture, Makurdi, were kidnapped by gunmen.

The incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Benue State, and residents are calling for improved security measures to prevent such incidents.

Proofreading, editing by Sakinat Musa Abubakar, Editor at Neptune Prime.