A combined team of police officers from Benue and Enugu States has arrested Yusuf Muhamed, a suspected kidnap gang leader, in Orokam, Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Residents of the area reported that Muhamed and his gang had been terrorizing several communities in the local government. This led the local government chairman to impose a curfew in the council to curb the rising insecurity.
Mike Agbo, a local resident, confirmed that the suspect was apprehended along with other gang members during the week. Agbo noted that three kidnapping victims identified Muhamed as the officer responsible for torture in the gang’s hideout. “His distinct bad left hand made him easily recognizable,” Agbo said.
Authorities Confirm Arrest
Ogbadibo Local Government Chairman, Sunday Ajunwa, confirmed the arrest of Yusuf Muhamed in a telephone conversation with journalists on Saturday. He stated that the arrest was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the police from Makurdi and Enugu, along with local vigilante groups.
Ajunwa added, “It is true that Yusuf has been arrested by a combined team of police from Makurdi and Enugu, as well as the vigilante group in the area. He attempted to flee but was pursued and captured by local youths.”
According to Ajunwa, the victims of the gang have made confessional statements detailing how Muhamed tortured them while in captivity. In total, 22 individuals, including the gang leader, are now in police custody.
Security Improvements in Ogbadibo
In response to the rising insecurity, Ajunwa had previously imposed a curfew from 6 pm to 6 am across Ogbadibo. However, he noted that the security situation in the area has since improved, and he is considering lifting the curfew after consultations with security agencies and local stakeholders.
“The security situation in Orokam is stable now, though the curfew is still in place. I’m hopeful to lift it soon after a meeting with security agencies,” Ajunwa remarked.
Police Response
When contacted for an official statement, the Police Public Relations Officer (PRO) for Benue State, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had not yet received confirmation of the incident. “Please, what do you want to confirm? I’m yet to confirm it. When I get the news, it will be related,” Edet said.
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