In Benue, Troops Eliminate Kidnap Syndicate’s Leader, Free 32
The ring leader of a notorious kidnapping syndicate in Benue State, Zwa Ikyegh, has been killed by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, who also rescued 32 persons abducted by his criminal gang.
According to a statement by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Ikyegh was eliminated after troops of Sector 2 and 4, yesterday raided a suspected kidnappers’ den at Tomayin village in Logo LGA of the State.
“This followed credible intelligence on the activities of a notorious kidnap syndicate operating in the general area of Igbom village in Nenzev council ward of Logo LGA,” the statement revealed.
Maj. Gen. John Enenche, Coordinator of the Defence Media Operations (DMO), who issued the statement on Friday, said troops had contact with the bandits leading to exchange of fire, as troops closed in on the hideout.
According to him, the troops responded with superior fire, forcing the armed bandits to fled in disarray into the bushes.
He said: “The determined troops engaged the criminal elements in hot pursuit leading to the killing of one Zwa Ikyegh identified as the ring leader and others escaped with various degrees of gun shots wounds.”
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Maj. Gen. Enenche, further added that the successful encounter led to the rescue of 32 kidnapped victims, some of whom have been in captivity for over a month.
“All the rescued kidnapped victims have been reunited with their families in different communities in Logo LGA,” Enenche said.
Continuing, he added: “Troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 magazine, 6 locally made rifle, one locally made pistol and a magazine. Others include 22 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 2 cartridges, 2 motorcycles and some Charms. The hideout has been equally destroyed.”
In another development, the DMO Coordinator, said troops of Sector 2 deployed at Gbise in Katsina Ala LGA and Zaki Biam in Ukum LGA responded to a distress call on another kidnapping incident at Austoma in Mbanema Council ward of Ukum.
He noted that troops promptly mobilized to the scene leading to the arrest of 2 suspects.
Enenche said: “The suspects are Mr Sealemun and Orduem both of whom are linked to late Terugwa Igbagwa Aka Orjondu. Troops recovered one motorcycle which the kidnappers were using for their heinous crimes.
“The suspects are currently undergoing investigation after which they will be handed over to the Nigeria Police for further necessary action. Troops have continued to dominate the area with patrols and ambushes. Normalcy has since been restored in the general area.”
