A suspected mastermind behind the kidnapping of two pastors, a traditional ruler, and 18 others in the Pupule Community of Yorro Local Government was paraded on Wednesday by the Taraba State Police Command.
Joseph Aribo, the Commissioner of Police, explained during the exercise at the command headquarters in Jalingo that a team of police operatives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping unit, on 22/01/2024, acted on credible information, swiftly moving to Maihula town in Bali LGA.
There, they apprehended one Bado Linus from Gwampa village in Yorro LGA, who had fled Yorro to Maihula in an attempt to evade arrest after allegedly masterminding a series of kidnapping incidents around Yorro, Zing, and Lau local governments, including the kidnapping of a traditional ruler, two pastors, and 18 other community members.
CP Aribo also disclosed that the team arrested kidnappers in Runde village of Ardo-Kola on January 23, 2024. He added that Nafiu Yusuf and Gambo Alh Gawah from Runde and Yelwa tau villages of Ardo Kola LGA were apprehended in connection to the recent kidnapping of five victims that occurred on January 23, 2024, around Runde village.
The anti-kidnapping team, in collaboration with the vigilante, mobilized and pursued the kidnappers. When the joint operation team confronted the suspects, a gun duel ensued.
Due to the firing power of the operatives, the suspected kidnappers were subdued, and five abductees were rescued.
Based on credible information, a team of operatives attached to GRA Division raided a criminal hideout at ATC Kofai ward in Jalingo, resulting in the arrest of one Yawnkuwafie John, and the recovery of two AK-47 rifles.
During a gun duel, one of the kidnappers, known as Bajaja (second name unknown), was shot and later died while receiving treatment at the Federal Medical Centre in Jalingo. Other members of the syndicate escaped with various degrees of injuries sustained during the gunfire.
The Police Commissioner commended Governor Agbu Kefas for his unwavering support in ensuring that the police establish a peaceful and safe society in Taraba.
He also affirmed that the command, under his watch, will remain committed to its pursuit of lasting peace in the state.
