The Benue State Police Command has arrested a suspected kidnap kingpin, Yusuf Muhamed, also known as OC Torture, alongside 21 others linked to kidnapping incidents in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of the state.
Muhamed, described as physically challenged, was tracked and apprehended in Orokam after days of surveillance by a tactical police team. Some of his victims reportedly identified him, aiding his capture.
His arrest comes after a surge in abductions and violent attacks in the area, including the killing of a mother and her visiting son during a failed kidnap attempt. The incidents sparked protests in Orokam and prompted Ogbadibo council chairman, Sunday Ajunwa, to impose a dusk-to-dawn curfew two weeks ago.
Ajunwa confirmed the arrest, saying the suspect attempted to escape but was chased down by local youths. “Those he kidnapped made confessional statements of how he tortured them in captivity. He is now in police custody along with 21 others,” Ajunwa said, adding that calm has returned to Orokam though the curfew remains in force.
The council boss praised the combined efforts of police operatives from Makurdi and Enugu, local vigilantes, and Civil Protection Guards, saying the breakthrough showed the impact of community collaboration with security agencies.
Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to be fully briefed on the development.
