*He Was Allegedly Responsible For Horrendous Torture Of Victims
By Sam Tyav, Makurdi
A wanted notorious kidnap kingpin, identified as Yusuf Muhammed, has been arrested along with 21 others in Orokam, Ogbadibo Local Area (LGA) of Benue State.
Muhammed was identified by his victims, particularly those he had tortured in captivity.
Chairman, Ogbadibo LGA, Sunday Ajunwa, who confirmed these, said Muhammed has been responsible for several kidnappings in the area.
The arrest, he disclosed, was facilitated by a combined team of Police personnel from Makurdi, the Benue State capital, and Enugu, as well as the efforts of a vigilante group.
He said that the kidnapper attempted to flee into the bush on sighting the team, but that the youth chased and caught him.
He said: “It is true that Yusuf has been arrested by the combined team of Police from Makurdi and Enugu as well as the vigilante in the area. He attempted to run but the youth pursued and caught him.”
The Chairman disclosed that the kidnapper,who is presently in police custody alongside his 21 colleagues, has confessed to his crimes, especially narrating how he horrendously tortured his victims in captivity.
The Chairman said that Yusuf is suspected to be a Fulani man.
According to him, “the security situation in Orokam is now stable though the curfew from 6pm to 6am is still enforced. But I am thinking of lifting it after meeting with security agencies and stakeholders.”
The rise in kidnapping and other forms of criminal activities in the area compelled the Chairman to strengthen security in the area,after meetings with the State Commissioner of Police and heads of other security agencies.
Reports said jubilation broke out in the community as residents celebrated the arrest of the kidnapper, hailed as a breakthrough in crime fighting the area.
They called on Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun, to direct the prosecution of Muhammad.
PHOTO CAPTION: An armed Fulani herdsman. File photo.
