Suspected Kidnappers in Benue State Polytechnic acting Rector, Emmanuel Barki, have contacted the family, demanding N70 million naira as ransom for his release.
The report stated that three staff members, including the acting rector, were reportedly abducted on Thursday while they were traveling back to Ugbokolo from an official assignment in Makurdi, the state capital.
Recall that Barki, two other management staff of the institution, and their driver were kidnapped along the Otukpo/Otukpa Road. One of the victims was later released due to ill health.
According to a source close to the rector’s family, who wished to remain anonymous, the kidnappers had contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N70 million.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, confirmed the abduction and stated that an investigation was ongoing.
The Security Adviser to the Governor, Joseph Har, also confirmed the incident but mentioned he was unaware of any ransom demand.
“The incident happened, but I’m not aware they demanded ransom, but security men are combing the bushes to rescue them,” Har said.