Security operatives in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State have arrested two suspected kidnappers allegedly involved in a fatal abduction and the recovery of ₦8 million ransom paid to them.
The Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, Christopher Audu Manship, confirmed the development on Saturday in a statement signed by his Director of Press and Publicity, Danaan Sylvanus.
According to the statement, the council chairman declared a strict stance against criminal activity in the area following the breakthrough by joint security agencies.
The statement read, “In a decisive move, the Executive Chairman of Qua’an Pan Local Government Council, Hon. Dr Christopher Audu Manship, has declared zero tolerance for crime in the locality.
”The Chairman made the declaration in the wake of the arrest of kidnappers and the recovery of ransom by the joint security agencies of Qua’an Pan Local Government.
”The kidnappers, identified as Waltu Watter and Sale Mamma from Zomo in Mikang Local Government Area, allegedly killed Alh. Saidu Mamma during an operation and abducted his daughter, subsequently demanding a ransom.
”After a ransom of Eight Million Naira (₦8,000,000) was paid to the kidnappers, the joint security operatives of Qua’an Pan successfully apprehended them and recovered the full amount.
”Also featured at the event was the handover of abductee Mrs Gambo Bello to her family. She was kidnapped in Padama, Lafia East Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, and taken to the Pandam Game Reserve in Qua’an Pan Local Government.
”Upon receiving intelligence on suspicious movement in the area, the Chairman ordered security agencies to comb the bush for operation, which led to the successful rescue of abductee Mrs Gambo Bello”
The rescued victim, Mrs Bello, said she was held for more than a week. She recounted that the kidnappers engaged security operatives in a gun battle before escaping, which created an opportunity for her rescue.
She said security personnel later evacuated her from the forest after the confrontation.
The council chairman praised the security agencies for what he described as professionalism and courage in handling the operation.
Manship also warned that no criminal would be allowed to operate within Qua’an Pan or use the area as a hideout after committing offences elsewhere, adding that those arrested would face the law.
He ordered that the recovered ₦8 million ransom be returned to the family of the late Alh. Saidu Mamma, who lost his life during the attack in which his daughter was abducted.
He further stated that the operation marked the third successful recovery of ransom from kidnappers in the area, attributing the achievements to improved security collaboration and what he called divine support.
Manship expressed appreciation to Plateau State Governor, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for backing efforts to strengthen security in Qua’an Pan.
Security officials present during the operation included the Commanding Officer of the Shendam Artillery Regiment, Lt. Col. R. Braimo, the Divisional Police Officer of Doemak Division, Adamu Nenfot, and Major Edward, alongside other operatives.
