Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers and Recovery of Ransom in Plateau State
Security operatives in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State have made a significant breakthrough by arresting two suspected kidnappers linked to the killing of a victim and recovering N8 million ransom paid to them. The incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat crime in the region.
The Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, Christopher Audu Manship, announced this development on Saturday. The statement was issued by his Director of Press and Publicity, Danaan Sylvanus. According to the statement:
“In a decisive move, the Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Dr Christopher Audu Manship, has declared zero tolerance for crime in the locality.”
This declaration came after the arrest of kidnappers and the recovery of ransom by the joint security agencies of Qua’an Pan Local Government. The kidnappers, identified as Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma from Zomo in Mikang Local Government Area, were allegedly involved in the killing of Alh. Saidu Mamma during an operation. They also abducted his daughter and demanded a ransom.
After a ransom of Eight Million Naira (₦8,000,000) was paid to the kidnappers, the joint security operatives of Qua’an Pan successfully apprehended them and recovered the full amount. This marks a major victory in the fight against kidnapping in the area.
Rescuing the Abductee and Handover to Family
At the event, there was also a handover of Mrs Gambo Bello to her family. She had been kidnapped in Padama, Lafia East Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and taken to the Pandam Game Reserve in Qua’an Pan Local Government.
Upon receiving intelligence about suspicious movements in the area, the Chairman ordered security agencies to comb the bush for operation, which led to the successful rescue of abductee Mrs Gambo Bello. Recounting her ordeal, the victim stated that there was an exchange of gunfire for several minutes before the kidnappers, identified as Fulani, fled the scene, after which security personnel evacuated her from the bush.
Commendation of Security Agencies
Speaking earlier, the Chairman commended the security agencies for their diligence and commitment to duty, which he described as a demonstration of professionalism and gallantry in securing lives and property. He vowed not to allow any criminal to operate within Qua’an Pan or to seek refuge in the area after committing crimes in other local governments or states without facing the full weight of the law.
The chairman ordered the return of the recovered ransom to the family of the victim, late Alh. Saidu Mamma, whose daughter was kidnapped during the operation that took his life. He noted that this marks the third time kidnappers have been arrested and ransom recovered, aside from numerous other arrests in Qua’an Pan, attributing the successes to divine intervention and the collaborative efforts of security agencies.
Support from State Leadership
The chairman expressed profound gratitude to the Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for his support towards strengthening the security architecture of Qua’an Pan. Manship further vowed to secure all local government and state borders with Qua’an Pan to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the area.
Key Figures Present at the Event
Present at the scene were the Commanding Officer of the Shendam Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel R. Braimo, the DPO of Doemak Police Division, Adamu Nenfot, and Major Edward, among other security personnel. Their presence underscored the collective effort being made to ensure safety and security in the region.
The arrest and recovery of the ransom highlight the effectiveness of coordinated efforts between local authorities and security agencies. It also serves as a reminder of the persistent threat posed by kidnappers and the importance of continued vigilance and collaboration in addressing such challenges.
