A lecturer at the Joseph Sarwan Tarka University, Makurdi, JoSTUM, former Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, FUAM, Dr. Smart Ichor has been arrested by the Benue State Police Command over the alleged kidnap of the wife of the JoSTM branch Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Susan Anyagh.
Mrs. Anyagh was reportedly kidnapped on December 7, 2024, along Otukpo Road in Makurdi by armed men and was later discovered unconscious by the roadside at Ameladu in Gboko Local Government Area, LGA, of the state.
The State Police Command in a statement weekend by its spokesperson, Superintendent, SP, Catherine Anene disclosed that Dr. Ichor was apprehended following the information availed the Police by the victim.
According to her, the Police received the information of the kidnap on December 7, 2024, and “in quick response, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, Mr. Steve Yabanet immediately ordered all patrol officers and checkpoints to ensure her rescue and arrest of the kidnappers involved.
“At about 1 pm another information was received along Yandev-Ugbema road that the said victim was attacked by her assailants and left unconscious by the roadside. She was identified and rushed to the Primary Healthcare Clinic, Ameladu for treatment. Subsequently, the victim started responding to treatment and gained consciousness.
“She stated that while she was driving from NNPC Mega Fuel Station, Kanshio where she went to collect money from her customer, she was flagged down at Otukpo road by persons who claimed to be in need and she stopped to render help.
“They quickly jumped into her car and pointed a gun at her, ordered her to drive towards Wurukum area. Immediately, she looked outside the car and saw her husbands colleague; Dr. Smart Ichor of JoSTUM standing by the car.
“She beckoned on him for help but he turned his back and walked away. While moving in the vehicle, her abductors received a call from Dr. Ichor ordering that she should be killed and she became agitated.
“When they sighted a police check point ahead that was checking vehicles, they decided to reverse to a hidden place, they parked the car, brought her out, collected the sum of N1.350m she had in the car, opened the car boot and took a vehicle jack which they used to hit the back of her neck and she fell.
“Dr. Ichor has been arrested in connection with the case and investigation is ongoing. Details of the investigation will be communicated in due time and necessary actions shall be taken.”
The Police Commissioner advised the parties in the matter to remain law abiding and patient while investigation is conducted to establish the facts of the matter.
