From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
A notorious kidnapping kingpin, Yusuf Muhammed, has been arrested with 21 others in Orokam, Ogbadibo Local Chairman area of Benue State.
Confirming the arrest in a telephone chat with Citizenship Daily, the Council Chairman, Sunday Ajunwa said Yusuf who has been responsible for several kidnappings in the area, was arrested by a combined team of Police from Makurdi and Enugu as well as the vigilante group.
Ajunwa said Yusuf was identified by his victims whom he tortured severely in captivity and had attempted to flee into the bush but the youths chased and caught him
“It is true that Yusuf has been arrested by the combine team of Police from Makurdi and Enugu as well as the vigilante in the area. He attempted to run but the youths pursued and caught him.
“Those he kidnapped made confessional statement of how he tortured them in captivity. He is now in Police custody along with 21 others. Yusuf is alleged to be a Fulani man.
“The security situation in Orokam is now stable though the curfew from 6pm to 6am is still enforced. But am thinking of lifting it after meeting with security agencies and stakeholders”.
This development comes on the heels of a recent surge in kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the Orokam axis, which prompted the Ogbadibo Local Government Council Chairman, Hon Sunday Ajunwa, to meet with the Benue State Commissioner of Police and other security agencies.
Residents of Orokam are celebrating the arrest, which they consider a significant breakthrough in the district. But victims have expressed mixed reactions over his arrest. According to one of the eye witnesses, Yusuf may be release from police detention if monies exchange hands.
They therefore, called on the Inspector General of Police, IGP to look into this particular arrest with keen interest.
