Benue Doctor Reportedly Abducted Found in Police Custody

The Medical Director of Multicare Hospital, Makurdi, Benue State, Dr Jonah Ogbaji, who was initially reported to have been abducted from his hospital, has been found in police custody.

Ogbaji was reportedly taken from the hospital premises at Ankpa Quarters Ward, Makurdi, on Wednesday night, prompting concern among his family, colleagues and associates.

A daughter of the medical director had raised the alarm after individuals who arrived at the hospital in a Toyota Sienna vehicle reportedly took him away.

Following the incident, members of the family were said to have visited several police stations across Makurdi in an effort to establish his whereabouts.

The daughter later informed journalists that the family received information that Ogbaji had been taken away by police operatives deployed from Abuja.

She said the family was initially unaware of the reason for his arrest.

However, the Benue State Police Command has clarified that the doctor was not abducted but arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said Ogbaji was arrested at his hospital on Wednesday by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad attached to the Force Intelligence Department in Abuja.

“The Command has received enquiries regarding reports of the alleged abduction of a medical doctor and owner of a hospital in Makurdi.

“Upon verification, the report is false. The doctor was not abducted. He was arrested yesterday (Wednesday) at his hospital by operatives of the Special Tactical Squad (STS) attached to the Force Intelligence Department (FID), Abuja, in connection with an ongoing investigation,” Aondongu stated.

The police spokesperson said the Benue Command did not have details of the specific circumstances surrounding the investigation.

He urged members of the public and the media to disregard reports that Ogbaji had been kidnapped.

“The specific circumstances surrounding the investigation are not yet known to the Command,” he said.

“Members of the media and the general public are therefore advised to disregard reports of his alleged abduction or kidnapping, as they are false.”

The police clarification has therefore dispelled the earlier reports of an abduction, although the nature of the investigation leading to Ogbaji’s arrest has not been disclosed.