UPDATE: Police kill abductor of Benue group leader, rescue victim

Less than 24 hours after the abduction of Tor Yaji, leader of the Kunav United Development Association, by gunmen, the police in Benue State have successfully rescued him.

The Benue State Command had earlier confirmed the abduction of Yaji, the President-General of the association, which occurred around 10 p.m. on Monday while he was with friends in his village, Tsar Mbaduku, in Vandeikya Local Government Area.

During the rescue operation, the spokesperson for the Benue State Command, Catherine Anene, reported that one of the kidnappers was killed, and another was arrested.

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In a statement issued on Tuesday evening, Anene disclosed that the community leader was rescued around 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 31, 2024.

The statement read in part: “Following a report of the kidnap of Mr. Emmanuel Tor Yaji in Vandeikya Local Government Area, an intense rescue operation was launched.

“On 31/12/2024 at about 1300hrs, the police team in Kwande Local Government Area located the kidnappers at Nambe Adikpo town and engaged them in a gun duel.

“One of the suspects sustained gunshot injuries and was eventually confirmed dead by a doctor. Another suspect was arrested, while two others fled. Further investigation to apprehend the remaining suspects is ongoing.”

The PPRO listed items recovered from the kidnappers, including one AK-47 rifle loaded with twelve rounds of live ammunition and three AK-47 magazines.

“The victim was rescued unhurt and has been reunited with his friends and family,” the statement concluded.