The police in Benue State have killed three suspected kidnappers in a gun battle for the rescue operation of Emmanuel Tor Yaji, the President-General of the Kunav Development Association (KUDA), in Vandeikya LGA of the state.
Yaji was abducted at a drinking joint in his hometown, Tsar Mbaduku, according to a statement by SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, the spokeswoman for the state police command.
“On 30/12/2024, at about 8:30pm, information was received at the Vandeikya Police Division that Mr Emmanuel Tor Yaji was kidnapped while socialising in Tsar,” Anene stated.
She explained that swift action by police operatives led to a confrontation with the kidnappers on New Year’s eve (31/12/2024) at about 1:00 pm in Nambe Adikpo town, Kwande LGA of the state.
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Anene added that during the gunfight, one suspect was fatally injured and later confirmed dead by a medical doctor while another suspect was arrested, and two others escaped.
She listed items recovered from the deceased suspect to include an AK-47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of live ammunition and three AK-47 magazines.
The police spokeswoman however confirmed that “The two kidnappers sustained gunshot injuries during a second gun duel. They were confirmed dead at the hospital and their corpses were deposited at the mortuary. One more AK-47 rifle was recovered from them,” she explained.
Anene confirmed that Yaji was rescued unhurt and had been reunited with his family and friends.
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