Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted Dr. Emmanuel Barki, the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo. Alongside Dr. Barki, two other senior staff members and their driver were also taken hostage.
The abduction took place on Thursday as the victims were returning to Ugbokolo from an official assignment in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that the kidnappers struck along the Otukpo/Otukpa Road, a route notorious for such criminal activities.
According to a reliable source close to the rector’s family, who preferred to remain anonymous due to the sensitivity of the situation, the kidnappers have contacted the family demanding a ransom of N70 million for the safe return of Dr. Barki and the others.
The source revealed, “The family is in deep distress, and we are pleading with the authorities to expedite efforts to rescue them.”
Augustine Leva, The immediate past Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Benue State chapter, visited Dr. Barki’s family on Friday.
During his visit, Leva offered prayers for the swift and safe release of the victims and urged the state government to intensify its efforts in improving security across the state. “The government must act swiftly to ensure the safety of its citizens. We cannot continue to live in fear,” Leva implored.
Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed the abduction in a brief statement, noting that investigations are currently underway. “Incident confirmed and investigation is ongoing,” Anene stated.
The Security Adviser to the state governor, Joseph Har, also confirmed the kidnapping but mentioned he was unaware of any ransom demands. “The incident happened but I’m not aware they demanded ransom. Security personnel are combing the bushes to rescue them,” Har said.
This kidnapping is the latest in a series of abductions that have plagued the region. In late May 2024, two female students from the Joseph Sarwuan University of Agriculture, Makurdi, were also kidnapped by gunmen, as confirmed by the state police command.
The recurrence of such incidents has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of residents and travelers in Benue State.
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