Twenty people abducted by suspected kidnappers in Benue State have regained their freedom after their families reportedly paid a combined ransom of ₦8 million.
The victims were said to have spent time in captivity before their release following negotiations with the kidnappers. Details surrounding the identities of the victims, the location of the abduction and whether security agencies were involved in the operation were not immediately clear.
Kidnapping remains a major security concern in Benue, with security agencies reporting several rescue operations across the state in recent months. In August, for instance, security operatives rescued 13 passengers who had been abducted along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area.
The latest incident has again raised concerns over the growing reliance on ransom payments to secure the release of kidnapping victims, amid continued efforts by security agencies to tackle criminal networks operating across the state.
