Plateau security operatives arrest kidnappers, recover N8m ransom

Security operatives in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State have arrested two suspected kidnappers linked to the killing of a victim and recovered N8 million ransom paid to them.

The Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, Christopher Audu Manship, disclosed this on Saturday in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Publicity Danaan Sylvanus

The statement read, “‎In a decisive move, the Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Dr Christopher Audu Manship, has declared zero tolerance for crime in the locality.

‎”The Chairman made the declaration in the wake of the arrest of kidnappers and the recovery of ransom by the joint security agencies of Qua’an Pan Local Government.

‎”‎The kidnappers, identified as Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma from Zomo in Mikang Local Government Area, allegedly killed Alh. Saidu Mamma during an operation and abducted his daughter, subsequently demanding a ransom.

‎‎”After a ransom of Eight Million Naira (₦8,000,000) was paid to the kidnappers, the joint security operatives of Qua’an Pan successfully apprehended them and recovered the full amount.

‎”Also featured at the event was the handover of abductee Mrs Gambo Bello to her family. She was kidnapped in Padama, Lafia East Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and taken to the Pandam Game Reserve in Qua’an Pan Local Government.

‎‎”Upon receiving intelligence on suspicious movement in the area, the Chairman ordered security agencies to comb the bush for operation, which led to the successful rescue of abductee Mrs Gambo Bello”

‎Recounting her ordeal, the victim, Mrs Bello, who was held by kidnappers for over a week, narrated how the incident occurred and how security operatives intervened.

She stated that there was an exchange of gunfire for several minutes before the kidnappers, identified as Fulani, fled the scene, after which security personnel evacuated her from the bush.

‎Speaking earlier, the Chairman commended the security agencies for their diligence and commitment to duty, which he described as a demonstration of professionalism and gallantry in securing lives and property.

‎‎Manship vowed not to allow any criminal to operate within Qua’an Pan or to seek refuge in the area after committing crimes in other local governments or states without facing the full weight of the law.

‎The chairman ordered the return of the recovered ransom to the family of the victim, late Alh. Saidu Mamma, whose daughter was kidnapped during the operation that took his life.

‎‎He noted that this marks the third time kidnappers have been arrested and ransom recovered, aside from numerous other arrests in Qua’an Pan, attributing the successes to divine intervention and the collaborative efforts of security agencies.

‎The chairman expressed profound gratitude to the Plateau State Governor, His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for his support towards strengthening the security architecture of Qua’an Pan.

‎‎Manship further vowed to secure all local government and state borders with Qua’an Pan to prevent criminal elements from infiltrating the area.

‎Present at the scene were the Commanding Officer of the Shendam Artillery Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel R. Braimo, the DPO of Doemak Police Division, Adamu Nenfot, and Major Edward, among other security personnel.