Benue state government reveals the identity of 11 young men killed and buried by kidnappers

Police in Benue State recently uncovered hidden graves in Gbatse village with 11 bodies of people suspected to have been killed by kidnappers in Ushongo Local Government Area of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Catherine Anene, told journalists in Makurdi that one suspect was arrested, adding that “as soon as we conclude interrogating him, we will give out the full information".

It was gathered that the suspect, a gang leader of kidnap and armed robbery syndicate, was arrested following a tip-off by members of the community. The suspect and his gang were alleged to have killed their victims and buried them after collecting their motorcycles in order to conceal their crime and to avoid arrest.

The ringleader of the syndicate group, identified as Iorwuese Kpila, alias Dr. Kwagh Akoronmenenge, was arrested with six other members of his syndicate. According to police authorities, the hideout of Kpila is located at a hilltop surrounded by some thatch houses and a shrine.

Speaking with journalists in Ushongo at the site of the incident, Governor Samuel Ortom said, “We will get to the root of kidnapping in the state. They will be fished out to face the law. All kidnappers in flash point local councils, including Vandeikya, Logo, Ukum, Kwande, and Katsina-Ala will be apprehended. My government will not surrender the state to criminals."

The council chairman, Bemsen Agugu, gave the names of the victims to include Aondowase Akaahar; Terlumun Tema-Shangev-Ya, Kwande LG, Ushahemba Ulughf from Mbakyaa, Shangev-ya, Kwande LG; Avakaa Adema from Tse Akanyi-Mbarumun, Nanev Kwande LG; Tughgba Akosu from Mbakua-Abenga, Nanev, Kwande LG; Ushahemba Adasu from Mbagbera, Vandeikya LG; and Aondohemba Kunav beside General Hospital, Vandeikya.
Others are Terkaa Wanshila from Mbarumun-Nanev, kwande LG; Iorhemba Temase Asongo from Tse Jev-Mbangor, Shangev-Ya, Kwande LG; Terfa Ati from Mbagwaza, Ushongo LG; and TYokuia Ankyo from Mbagwaza, Ushongo LG.

Those arrested, according to the chairman are Mr. Iorwuese kpila aka Dr. kwagh akorom menenge; Tersoo Agee Agabi Charles, Mr. Ortema aka ten tyres and Mr. Chiahemba Baa.