EXCLUSIVE: Gunmen Abduct Nigerian Army Personnel Near Benue Barracks, Demand N5million Ransom

A Nigerian Army officer, Charles Ogbonna, has been abducted by unidentified gunmen near an army barracks in Makurdi, Benue State. Ogbonna, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), was reported missing after failing to report for duty on May 20, 2024, following a pass from May 10 to May 19. His car, containing his military ID card, was found abandoned along the Naka-Makurdi road.

The kidnappers, who are demanding a ransom of N5 million for Ogbonna’s release, have contacted his wife to negotiate. Military sources confirmed the incident, stating that efforts are underway to locate and rescue Ogbonna. The incident underscores the security challenges faced by military personnel, even within the vicinity of army barracks.

The abduction of Ogbonna highlights the vulnerability of military personnel to criminal activities such as kidnapping, despite their training and affiliation with security forces. It also raises concerns about the safety and security measures in place around military installations, as well as the effectiveness of response mechanisms to such incidents.

The involvement of Ogbonna’s family in negotiations with the kidnappers adds another layer of complexity to the situation, as it reflects the emotional and financial toll that such incidents take on the families of victims. The demand for a substantial ransom further underscores the audacity and impunity of criminal elements operating in the area.

The incident serves as a reminder of the pervasive insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in regions like Benue State, which has experienced high levels of criminal activity, including banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes. It also highlights the need for enhanced security measures and proactive strategies to combat criminality and safeguard the lives and property of citizens, including military personnel.

The Nigerian Army and other security agencies must intensify efforts to locate and rescue Ogbonna swiftly, while also addressing the underlying security challenges that facilitate such criminal activities. Additionally, measures should be put in place to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future, including improving surveillance and response capabilities around military installations and strengthening collaboration with local communities to gather intelligence and combat criminal elements effectively.

SaharaReporters