Law enforcement agents apprehend abduction suspects in Plateau, retrieve N8m extortion payment

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By Golok Nanmwa

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JOS— Joint security operatives in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State have arrested two suspected kidnappers and recovered N8 million ransom paid by the family of a victim, just as they rescued an abducted woman from a forest hideout.

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The development was confirmed on Saturday by the Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Dr. Christopher Audu Manship, in a statement signed by his media aide, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus.

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The statement said the arrested suspects were identified as Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma.

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According to the statement, they allegedly killed Alhaji Saidu Mamma during an operation and abducted his daughter, after which they demanded and collected N8 million ransom.

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However, following a coordinated operation by joint security agencies in Qua’an Pan, the suspects were apprehended and the entire ransom recovered.

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Speaking during the parade of the suspects and presentation of the recovered money, Manship declared zero tolerance for criminality in the area.

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He commended the security agencies for their professionalism, diligence and gallantry in protecting lives and property.

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“We will not allow criminals to operate in Qua’an Pan or use this local government as a hiding place after committing crimes in neighbouring councils or states,” he said.

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The chairman ordered that the recovered N8 million be returned to the family of the late Alhaji Saidu Mamma, whose daughter was abducted during the attack that claimed his life.

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In a related development, the joint security operatives also rescued Mrs. Gambo Bello and reunited her with her family.

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Mrs. Bello was reportedly kidnapped in Padama, Lafia East Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and taken to Pandam Game Reserve in Qua’an Pan.

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Manship said intelligence reports on suspicious movement within the reserve prompted him to direct security personnel to comb the bush, leading to her rescue.

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The statement added that, while narrating her ordeal, Bello said she spent over one week in captivity before security operatives stormed the kidnappers’ hideout.

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According to her, there was an exchange of gunfire for several minutes before the kidnappers fled the scene.

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“The security men came and exchanged gunfire with them. After some time, the kidnappers ran away and the operatives rescued me from the bush,” she said.

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Manship said the latest operation marked the third time kidnappers had been arrested and ransom recovered in Qua’an Pan, aside from several other arrests recorded in the area.

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He attributed the successes to divine intervention and the collaborative efforts of security agencies.

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The council boss also expressed gratitude to Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for supporting efforts to strengthen the security architecture of the area.

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He vowed to secure all border communities linking Qua’an Pan with neighbouring local governments and states to prevent criminal infiltration.

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The statement added that those present during the briefing were security operatives saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property in the area.

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