The Benue State Police Command has foiled a kidnap attempt carried out on Christmas Day, successfully rescuing a man identified as Geoffrey Akume.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday in Makurdi.

According to Edet, the incident occurred in the early hours of Christmas Day at Tiortu, along the Gboko–Makurdi Road.

She explained that Akume, who was travelling from Gboko to Makurdi, was intercepted by armed men suspected to be kidnappers. The assailants forcefully abducted him and were attempting to move him deeper into a nearby forest when police operatives intervened.

“Upon receiving the distress call, operatives of the Benue State Police Command promptly mobilised and launched intensive patrols and a coordinated search of the area,” Edet stated.

She added that the suspects abandoned the victim and fled into the forest upon sighting the police patrol team and hearing the sirens.

“The victim was safely rescued unhurt, with no ransom paid,” she said, noting that Akume was taken to Abinse Police Station, where he was debriefed by the Commissioner of Police before being reunited with his family.

Edet said the Commissioner of Police, Mr Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the operatives for their swift response, courage, and professionalism.

Emenari reassured residents of Benue State of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, particularly during the festive period.

He also disclosed that patrols, stop-and-search operations, and intelligence-led policing have been intensified across key locations in the state.

Residents were urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through approved emergency channels, as efforts continue to track down and arrest the fleeing suspects.