By Paul Aondoakaa 

Security operatives in Benue State have arrested two suspected kidnappers who allegedly chased a female victim after she escaped from their hideout in Ado Local Government Area.

The woman, identified simply as Mrs Ekuma, was reportedly among five persons abducted on Friday while returning from Idelle Market in neighbouring Oju Local Government Area.

The development was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the Benue State Governor on Security and Internal Affairs, Chief Joseph Har, who spoke to journalists in Makurdi on Monday.

According to Har, Ekuma escaped from the kidnappers’ hideout in a forest around Utonkon district of Ado LGA and raised an alarm.

He said personnel of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard (CPG), Ado Command, were mobilised to locate the woman and track down her abductors.

Har explained that two suspected members of the gang were arrested after they allegedly pursued Ekuma upon discovering that she had escaped from the forest.

The suspects were identified as Usman Shuaibu and Aliyu Drahu.

The two men were initially taken to the CPG zonal headquarters in Otukpo before being handed over to the Otukpo Police Division for further investigation and necessary legal action.

The Special Adviser said the arrests were part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to dismantle kidnapping networks and improve the safety of residents in communities affected by insecurity across Benue State.

The latest development comes amid continuing security concerns in parts of Benue, particularly communities where residents have faced threats from kidnapping and other forms of criminal activity.

Authorities are expected to investigate the suspects’ alleged involvement in the reported abduction and determine whether other members of the gang are connected to the incident.