Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted Simon Agbo, an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), from his residence in Makurdi, Benue State, on Sunday, May 11, 2025, around 7:15 pm. The incident occurred opposite NKST Church, Kuan, behind Modern Market, while Agbo was outside with two neighbors. According to family sources, the attackers fired several gunshots into the air to scare residents before seizing Agbo at gunpoint and whisking him to an unknown location.
Agbo, who was redeployed from Kwara State to the Benue State Command in February 2025, was specifically targeted, as the gunmen left his neighbors unharmed. Suspicion has fallen on one neighbor who persistently urged Agbo to return home that evening, with Agbo’s younger brother noting, “He kept calling, insisting my brother come home or share his location.” This neighbor has been arrested and is in police custody pending investigation.
Despite efforts by local vigilantes and community youths to locate Agbo, the kidnappers escaped. The abductors have since contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N20 million for his release. Posts on X, including from @SaharaReporters and @MobilePunch, have amplified the incident, reflecting public concern over rising kidnappings in Benue.
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, and NIS officials for comment were unsuccessful. The abduction adds to a series of insecurity incidents in Benue, including recent kidnappings of a Nigerian Army officer and university students, underscoring the state’s ongoing security challenges.
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