Troops from the 401 Special Forces Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Sector One, successfully rescued a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) along with six other victims from kidnappers in Tse-Annaka, located on the Wukari/Zaki-Biam road in the Ukum local government area of Benue State.

The corps member, identified as 29-year-old Samuel Muekara, a law graduate, was among those freed. The operation also liberated several others who had been kidnapped at various times in the same area.

The additional victims include 32-year-old Anaelechi Bob, 28-year-old Ayuba Luka, 30-year-old Ibrahim Umar, 48-year-old Rabiu Muhammad, 17-year-old Buhari Ahmadu Saleh, and 47-year-old Blessing Ayuba.

A security officer, who preferred to remain anonymous, disclosed that the bandits wreaking havoc in the Sankara region were known by names such as “Full Fire,” Ayongo, Chen, and their group.

These bandits are reportedly linked to the notorious criminal kingpin Terwase Akwaza, also known as Gana, who was infamous in Benue.

According to the officer, the local communities are aware of the identities of these armed bandits but remain silent due to fear of retribution.

He emphasized that security should be a joint effort, urging residents to provide vital information to the military and other security forces to help apprehend these criminals.

Several rescued victims spoke about their harrowing experiences at the military camp in Zaki-Biam.

They recounted being held hostage for several days before the military’s intervention. Some of them described how they were taken to nearby villages, including Chito, Adamawa, Atereyange, Ututu, and Pevkyaa, where the armed bandits established their hideouts.

These bandits have made kidnapping a lucrative business, executing their crimes brazenly during the day without concern for repercussions.

Victims reported that bandit families often visited the hideouts, bringing food to the captives.

Despite witnessing the ongoing violence, local residents felt powerless to speak out for fear of their safety.

One victim, Rabiu Muhammad, shared a particularly tragic story: he had come to pay a ransom for his cousin Ibrahim Umar but was himself captured in the process.

Another victim, Blessing Ayuba, revealed that she was abducted while attempting to secure her son, Luka Ayuba’s release.

In a shocking turn of events, Samuel Muekara, the rescued corps member, revealed that the families of the seven victims had collectively raised over N20 million to pay ransom, alongside other valuable items worth millions.

Despite these efforts, they remained captives until the military’s decisive rescue operation liberated them from their dire situation.

The stories of these victims highlight the ongoing struggle against banditry in the region, emphasizing the need for community involvement in ensuring safety and security.

Their harrowing experiences serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by many in areas plagued by violence and crime.