Eleven people who were kidnapped by armed bandits in Benue State have been rescued and reunited with the state government.
The victims, who were abducted from different parts of the country, were handed over to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Friday at the Old Banquet Hall, Government House, Makurdi.
According to officials, the rescue was the result of a joint operation by the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), and other security agencies operating under the state’s Joint Task Force.
Those rescued include three victims from Benue, three from Taraba, two each from Cross River and Ebonyi, and one from Enugu. They were said to have been held captive by kidnappers operating around the Sankera axis, a known hotspot for bandit activity in Benue.
Speaking during the handover, Governor Alia described the victims’ experience as “horrifying and traumatic,” but praised their strength and resilience.
“You went through a lot of trauma, but thank God that the operation at the Sankera axis was successful and you were rescued,” the governor said.
He thanked the DSS, the police, civil defence, and all members of the joint task force for their continued sacrifices.
“This is clear evidence of hard work and dedication by our security personnel. Many are still out there in the field, and they deserve our support,” he added.
The governor also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving security across the state and tackling kidnapping and other criminal activities.