In Otukpa, Benue's Ogbadibo Local Government Area, a joint patrol team made up of the police, military, and vigilantes freed three kidnapped victims on Tuesday.
Sewuese Anene, a spokesman for the state police, claimed that the security personnel received information that a car travelling from Otukpa to Onitsha had been attacked by alleged kidnappers who kidnapped some passengers.
She claimed that a joint patrol team made up of local police, soldiers, and vigilantes quickly arrived at the scene to conduct a rescue operation.
“After an intense gun duel, the kidnappers abandoned the vehicle and took to their heels; three victims were rescued, and the bus was recovered.
“While chasing the kidnappers into a nearby forest suspected to be their hideouts, they came across one Peter Ejembi, a member of the Benue State Volunteer Guard, who paid the supreme price. His body had been deposited at Bethel Morgue, Otukpa,” the police spokeswoman stated.
She also said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Wale Abass, had deployed additional teams for further operations in the area.
Ms Anene urged the community members to provide the necessary information for a successful operation.
(NAN)