‘Fish out the criminals now’

Gov. Ortom orders security agents to track down kidnappers in Benue

WORRIED by the incessant activities of a syndicate that specializes in kidnapping children in Benue State, the state Governor, Samuel Ortom, has charged security agencies in the state to step up vigilance in order to track down those perpetrating the heinous act.

Ortom gave the order at the weekend when women whose children had been kidnapped, in tears, visited him at the Benue People’s House Makurdi.

“Benue cannot afford to be a safe haven for kidnappers as well as other criminals and we shall do all in our power to support the security agencies to track the kidnappers and rescue the children,” he vowed.

The Governor, however, said the report in some newspapers that 22 children had been kidnapped from the state were not accurate but stated that the kidnapping of even one child was not acceptable.

He tasked the police and other security agents at check-points and on patrol to, as a must, scrutinize commuters with the realization that not all people conveying children in their vehicles were the rightful parents or guardians.

While promising that his administration would continue to collaborate with relevant security agencies to curb all manners of criminality in the state, Ortom advised parents to closely monitor their children so as to shield them from danger and expressed optimism that with sustained prayers and cooperation from the public, the kidnapped children would be rescued.

He expressed sympathy and solidarity with families of the abducted children while restating the commitment of his administration to securing the lives and property of the citizenry.

In separate remarks, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 4, Mr. Yahaya Ardo, stated that the police has received cases of abduction and said that they were investigating the incidents with a view to apprehending the perpetrators and bringing them to justice.

Ardo advised parents and guardians to ensure that children are always accompanied by adults and educated to reject offers from strangers including food and drinks.

Deputy State Director of State Security Service, Mr.Ukoh Abasi, also confirmed that the agency has received reports of cases of abduction and arrested eight kidnappers who were undergoing interrogation.