Relief in Benue as Troops Neutralise Four Notorious Kidnappers After Foiled Priest Abduction

Residents of Ogbadibo Local Government Area in Benue State are breathing a sigh of relief after Nigerian troops, working with a joint task force and local vigilantes, shot dead four notorious kidnappers who had terrorised the area for years.

Security sources said the gang was intercepted around Orokam after a failed attempt to abduct a Catholic priest in Obollo-Afor, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State. Following the botched operation, the suspects reportedly fled toward Benue State, where they ran into a coordinated security operation.

A fierce gun battle ensued when the kidnappers were confronted by troops, resulting in the neutralisation of four members of the gang, security sources confirmed.

The development has triggered jubilation across Ogbadibo and neighbouring communities, where residents say the criminals had instilled fear for years through kidnappings, armed robberies and violent attacks.

Locals identified the slain suspects as part of a notorious kidnapping syndicate blamed for repeated attacks along the Enugu–Otukpo road, a key commercial corridor linking Benue and Enugu states. The axis has long been regarded as a hotspot for abductions, with traders, travellers and businesspeople frequently targeted for ransom.

Community members said the operation has restored confidence and renewed hope, urging security agencies to sustain the momentum to ensure lasting peace in the area.

As of the time of filing this report, security authorities had yet to issue an official statement on the operation.