Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued a 28-year-old kidnapped woman from Tse-Ubena village in Yooyo Council Ward of Katsina-Ala Local Government Area, Benue State. The rescue operation was carried out in conjunction with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard. According to Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, Headquarters OPWS, troops responded to reports of kidnapping activities on 24th March and deployed from Tor-Donga to conduct a coordinated operation on a suspected hideout.
During the operation, Mrs Member Ityavber, aged 28, was successfully rescued and is currently receiving care. She has been reunited with her family after a debrief. The troops are working to apprehend members of the criminal syndicate responsible for the kidnap.
In a separate operation, troops acted on credible intelligence on the activities of armed herders within Mbapa and Mbabuande communities in Gwer West Local Government Area. The troops deployed from Bilawa-Jor and Naka swiftly mobilised to the area and conducted a thorough search, discovering an abandoned suspected criminal hideout. Two suspects were arrested and are currently in custody undergoing further investigation.
The Force Commander, JTF OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their prompt response and professionalism. He reaffirmed their commitment to secure their area of responsibility, particularly as communities prepare for the farming season.
The recent rescue operation by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Benue State is a welcome development, particularly for the family of Mrs Member Ityavber who was kidnapped and held for ransom. However, the arrest of two suspects is a testament to the ongoing challenges posed by armed herders in the region. The fact that troops are working to apprehend the masterminds behind the kidnap is a clear indication that the security agencies are committed to securing their area of responsibility. The farming season is just around the corner, and the timely intervention of the security agencies is crucial to ensuring that farmers can go about their business without fear of attack. The people of Benue State deserve to live without the constant threat of kidnapping and armed robbery. The security agencies must continue to work tirelessly to secure the region and bring perpetrators to justice.
