Benue State Police Command said it had rescued two kidnapped victims at the residence of a traditional ruler, Zaki Tule Nyam, in Logo LGA.
Police spokesperson Catherine Anene disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Makurdi.
Anene said the operation followed a tip-off received by Logo Police Division that a group of bandits armed with dangerous weapons mobilised and invaded a market at Mchia, Logo LGA, and kidnapped two traders.
According to her, the police responded on the order of Commissioner of Police George Chuku, who ordered the deployment of tactical teams to raid the area and ensure the release of the victims.
She said: ” On November 25, 2023, the police team stormed the hideout and the two victims were rescued at the compound of Zaki Tule Nyam, a tax collector.
” The victims stated that they were held hostage and their families had been given one week to source for N10 million ransom and pay before they were rescued by police.
“Consequently, Zaki Nyam and 17 other suspects were arrested in the compound for further investigation. Items recovered from them include a Dane gun and a matchet.”