Escalating kidnappings in Benue State raise alarm

A disturbing wave of kidnappings has hit Benue State, with multiple incidents reported in recent months.

In May, two female students from Joseph Sarwuan University of Agriculture, Makurdi, were abducted by gunmen.

Just two months later, in July, three staff members, including the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr. Emmanuel Barki, were also kidnapped, with the assailants demanding a ransom of N70 million.

Earlier, in March, ten people were reportedly abducted at the Taraba/Benue border community in Jootar, located in the Ukum Local Government Area.

These incidents are part of a growing trend of kidnappings across the region, where criminal groups frequently target both individuals and groups, often demanding large ransoms in exchange for their release.

The surge in these activities highlights the urgent need for stronger security measures and a focused effort to address the underlying causes driving this rise in criminality.