Poly Rector, Driver, Others Abducted, Demand N70m Ransom

Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped the acting Rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, Dr Emmanuel Barki, his driver and some management staff of the institution along the Ugbokolo-Otukpo highway of the state.

It was gathered that the abductors had allegedly opened talks with the rector’s family, demanding N70 million ransom to release him and other victims.

They were said to be travelling from Ugbokolo in Okpokwu Local Government Area of the state to Makurdi for an official assignment when the kidnappers ambushed them.

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He was reportedly abducted alongside his driver and some unknown number of management staff of the polytechnic on Wednesday.

The abductors reportedly whisked them away, abandoning the official vehicle of the polytechnic which they were travelling.

Chief Joseph Har, the Security Adviser to Benúe Governor on Internal Security, on Friday confirmed the incident to journalists in Makurdi.

Har however said he was not aware of any ransom negotiation as claimed by family members, noting that security operatives had been in the bush, combing everywhere for their rescue.

The Benúe State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, simply stated, “Incident is confirmed and investigation is ongoing.”