Taraba State Command of the Nigeria Police on Wednesday paraded a suspected mastermind behind the kidnapping of two pastors, a traditional ruler and 18 others in the Pupule Community of Yorro local government.
CP Joseph Aribo explained during the exercise at the Command headquarters in Jalingo that a team of Police operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping unit, had “on the 22/01/2024, acting on credible information, swung into action and moved to Maihula town in Bali LGA and arrested one Bado Linus of Gwampa village in Yorro LGA.”
According to the CP, the suspect fled Yorro to Maihula to avert arrest after allegedly masterminding a series of kidnapping incidents around Yorro, Zing and Lau local government including the kidnapping of a traditional ruler, two pastors and 18 other Community members.
CP Aribo also disclosed that the team also arrested kidnappers of five in Runde village of Ardo-Kola on the 23/1/2024.
“Our team also arrested Nafiu Yusuf and Gambo Alh Gawah of Runde and Yelwa tau villages of Ardo kola LGA. The suspects were arrested in connection to the recent kidnapping of five victims which happened on 23/01/2024 around Runde village.
“The anti-kidnapping team in collaboration with the vigilante, mobilized and went after the kidnappers. On sighting the joint operation team, the suspects engaged them in a gun duel but due to the firing power of the operatives, the suspected kidnappers were subdue and five abductees were rescued.
“Based on credible information, a team of operatives attached to GRA Division while raiding a criminal hideout at ATC Kofai ward Jalingo, arrested one Yawnkuwafie John and two AK47 rifles were recovered.
“During a gun duel, one of the kidnappers named Bajaja second name not known, was shot and later died while receiving treatment at Federal Medical Centre Jalingo while other members of the syndicate escaped with various degrees of injuries sustained as a result of the gun shot,” CP Aribo explained.
The Police Commissioner commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his unflinching support to ensuring that the Police enthroned peaceful and safe society in Taraba, assuring that the Command under his watch will remain committed in its pursuit for lasting peace in the state
