The Chairman of Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Benue State, Ardo Muhammad, has said four Fulani men arrested in connection with a suspected kidnap case in Okpokwu Local Government Area were travellers and not kidnappers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Makurdi, Muhammad claimed the men were travelling from Benue to Onitsha, Anambra State, to visit relatives when they were allegedly ambushed by youths. According to him, one of them escaped, while the other three were severely beaten. One later died from injuries sustained during the attack and the remaining two are receiving medical treatment.
Residents had reported that youths in Okpokwu foiled a kidnap attempt last Wednesday and rescued five victims. A day later, three suspects were reportedly arrested and handed over to police, while a fourth suspect escaped.
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Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area, Adah Inalegwu, confirmed the incident and said the abductors abandoned their victims after being pursued by local vigilantes and youths.
He noted that although three suspects were arrested the following day, security agencies had not established their involvement. “They are strangers in the community. It has not yet been confirmed whether they were kidnappers, but they have been handed over to the police,” Inalegwu said.
Muhammad dismissed claims linking the men to kidnapping, alleging they were attacked solely because they were Fulani and travelling peacefully. He called on security agencies to act swiftly to apprehend those responsible for the attack and ensure justice is served, adding that this would help restore order and rebuild confidence in the area.
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