The Benue State police command has revealed that a relative of community leader Emmanuel Yaji was the mastermind behind his recent abduction, orchestrating the crime to extort money from his own family.
According to The PUNCH, Yaji, who leads the Kunav United Development Association, was kidnapped on December 30, 2024, while at a relaxation center in Tsar Mbaduku, Vandeikya Local Government Area. Armed men stormed the venue around 10 p.m. and took him captive.
However, within 24 hours, law enforcement officers rescued Yaji, killed one of the kidnappers, and arrested another. Subsequent investigations led to the arrest of additional suspects, including Yaji’s relative, Teryima Yaji, and a native doctor, Terna Sule.
Confirming the development on Thursday, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, Chief Superintendent of Police Catherine Anene, said the arrest was made following an order from the Commissioner of Police, CP Steve Yabanet, for a thorough investigation into the incident.
“Our investigation uncovered that Teryima Yaji, a relative of the victim, masterminded the kidnapping,” Anene said. “He confessed to planning the abduction as a way to extort money from his own family.”
She further revealed that Terna Sule, a native doctor, played a key role in the crime.
“Sule was responsible for preparing the gang for the operation and led them in the attack,” Anene added.
