Gunmen demand N20m ransom for abducted immigration officer in Benue

Gunmen have demanded a N20 million ransom for the release of Sunday Agbo, a serving officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service who was abducted from his residence in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Sunday evening.

Agbo, who was recently transferred from Kwara State to Benue in February, was kidnapped around 7:15 p.m. while outside his home in the area opposite NKST Church Kuan, located behind Modern Market.

According to eyewitnesses, he was with two neighbours when armed men suspected to be kidnappers stormed the area.

The attackers reportedly fired several gunshots into the air, causing panic among residents and forcing them to flee, before seizing Agbo and whisking him away to an unknown location. His two companions were left unharmed.

A family member who confirmed the incident said that the gunmen have contacted the family to demand a ransom of N20 million for his release.

The family has since notified security agencies while also appealing to the public for support and prayers for his safe return.

In a disturbing development, a neighbour of the abducted officer has been arrested by law enforcement agents in connection with the incident.

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Agbo’s younger brother revealed that the arrested individual had persistently urged Agbo to return home or share his location shortly before the attack took place.

“He kept calling, insisting my brother come home or share his location. They were outside talking when the attackers struck, targeting only my brother,” the sibling disclosed, raising suspicions about the neighbour’s potential complicity.

The arrest has intensified speculations about whether the kidnapping was an inside job or involved collaborators familiar with the victim’s movements.

In response to the abduction, youths and members of local vigilante groups have mobilized and commenced a search operation in nearby bushes and suspected hideouts to track down the kidnappers and rescue Agbo.

However, there has been no breakthrough yet as the whereabouts of the victim remain unknown.

Local authorities and security operatives, including the Benue State Police Command, are yet to issue an official statement, but sources say coordinated efforts are underway to ensure the safe rescue of the officer.

This incident is the latest in a series of abductions and violent crimes that have plagued parts of Benue State in recent months.

Residents have repeatedly called on both state and federal authorities to intensify security surveillance and clamp down on armed criminal gangs that operate with impunity across various communities.

The Agbo family has pleaded with security agencies to “double their efforts” and act swiftly to rescue the officer unhurt, while urging the public to volunteer any useful information that could aid his recovery.

As of the time of filing this report, the investigation is ongoing and the family remains hopeful that Agbo will be safely reunited with them.