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Nigerian Army Officer Kidnapped Near Benue Barracks, N5million Ransom Demanded |
Military sources informed SaharaReporters that Ogbonna, who holds the rank of a Senior Non Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was taken near an army barracks in the state's capital.
Unidentified gunmen have kidnapped a Nigerian Army officer, known as Charles Ogbonna, in Makurdi, Benue State, according to reports from SaharaReporters.
Military sources informed SaharaReporters that Ogbonna, who holds the rank of a Senior Non Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was taken near an army barracks in the state's capital.
It was reported that his identity card was discovered inside his vehicle, which the gunmen left behind.
The abductors have demanded a ransom of N5million for the safe return of the Warrant Officer, the sources added.
A military signal received by SaharaReporters also verified the abduction, indicating that negotiations are underway with the officer's spouse.
The signal stated, “INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM ADJUTANT 72 PARA BN INDICATES THAT OUR UNIT SNCO 93NA/36/1480 WO CHARLES OGBONNA IS BELIEVED TO BE KIDNAPPED.
“THE SNCO WAS ON LEAVE FROM 10 - 19 MAY 24 AND WAS DUE TO REPORT BACK ON DUTY ON MONDAY 20 MAY 24, WHICH HE DID NOT. HE WAS LAST OBSERVED ON 19 MAY 24 AT APPROXIMATELY 0800HRS LEAVING THE BARRACKS AT MAKURDI HEADING TOWARDS AGENEBODE.
“TROOPS FROM 72 PARA BN SUBSEQUENTLY DISCOVERED HIS ABANDONED VEHICLE ON THE NAKA - MAKURDI ROAD WHILE RESPONDING TO A ROBBERY AND KIDNAPPING INCIDENT. HIS MILITARY ID CARD WAS RETRIEVED FROM THE VEHICLE. INVESTIGATIONS REVEAL THAT THE KIDNAPPERS HAVE REACHED OUT TO THE SNCO'S WIFE REQUESTING A RANSOM OF FIVE MILLION NAIRA (N5,000,000).
“72 PARA BN IS ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN SEARCH OPERATIONS FOR THE SNCO. KINDLY FORWARD FOR YOUR INFORMATION.“
