Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Simon Agbo, from his residence in Makurdi, Benue State.
According to a close family member, the incident happened at about 7:15 p.m. on Sunday while Agbo was outside his home with two neighbours.
The family member said that the gunmen stormed the area opposite NKST Church Kuan behind Modern Market, fired several shots into the air to scare away residents before abducting the officer at gunpoint.
The family member said that Agbo, who was recently redeployed to the Benue State Command from Kwara State in February, was taken to an unknown location.
The family member further informed that when the community youths and local vigilantes heard about the unfortunate incident, they immediately launched an overnight search, but the kidnappers escaped.
Agbo’s younger brother said one of the neighbours had persistently urged the officer to return home that evening, raising suspicions.
“He kept calling, insisting my brother come home or share his location. They were outside talking when the attackers struck, targeting only my brother,” he said.
The brother said that the suspected neighbour has since been arrested and is in police custody pending further investigation.
The kidnappers have contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N20 million.
As at the time of compiling this report, officials from the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Benue State Police Command had not responded to inquiries.
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