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| Benue Poly Rector, Driver, and Others Kidnapped; Abductors Demand N70m Ransom |
Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped Dr. Emmanuel Barki, the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, along with his driver and several management staff members on the Ugbokolo-Otukpo highway.
According to our correspondent, the abductors have allegedly contacted the rector’s family, demanding a ransom of N70 million for their release.
The victims were traveling from Ugbokolo in Okpokwu Local Government Area to Makurdi for an official assignment when they were ambushed by the kidnappers. Dr. Barki, his driver, and an unspecified number of management staff were taken on Wednesday.
The kidnappers reportedly abandoned the polytechnic's official vehicle and took the victims into the bush. Chief Joseph Har, the Security Adviser to the Benue Governor on Internal Security, confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi on Friday.
Har mentioned that he was not aware of any ransom negotiations, as claimed by the family, and noted that security operatives have been actively searching the area for the victims.
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, stating, “The incident is confirmed and an investigation is ongoing.”
