Benue police have arrested alleged kidnap kingpin Yusuf Muhamed, known as “OC Torture,” along with 21 suspects, bringing relief to Ogbadibo residents.
Security operatives in Benue State have dealt a major blow to kidnappers in Ogbadibo Local Government Area with the arrest of an alleged notorious ringleader, Yusuf Muhamed, alongside 21 other suspected gang members.
The arrest, which took place in Orokam community, followed days of intelligence-driven surveillance by a joint team of police operatives, Civil Protection Guards, and community vigilantes.
According to local accounts, the physically challenged suspect, dreaded by his victims and gang members as “OC Torture”, was trailed quietly until he was finally cornered.
Community members revealed that the suspect earned his nickname due to the harsh treatment inflicted on abductees while in captivity.
Several victims who survived their ordeals later identified him to investigators, providing detailed testimony that guided the security team to his hideout.
For weeks, Orokam and surrounding villages had been under the siege of frequent abductions.
Fear reached boiling point after a failed kidnap attempt led to the tragic killing of a mother and her visiting son. The incident triggered outrage and protests, forcing the local government to act swiftly.
In response, the Chairman of Ogbadibo LGA, Mr. Sunday Ajunwa, declared a dusk-to-dawn curfew in Orokam two weeks ago, a measure aimed at restricting the movement of criminals and calming an increasingly anxious population.
According to Mr. Ajunwa, Yusuf attempted to escape when the operation began, but vigilant youths in the community pursued him and handed him over to the security team. He is now in police custody with his alleged accomplices.
“Those who were kidnapped by him have openly confessed how he subjected them to torture. His arrest, together with 21 others, is a relief to our people.
“The security situation has improved, but the curfew remains in place until we meet with stakeholders and security agencies to decide the next step,” the council chairman explained.
Ajunwa further praised the partnership between the community and law enforcement, stressing that the success of the operation proved that ordinary citizens have a role to play in fighting crime.
“This is a clear example that when residents support security agencies with information and courage, the cycle of crime can be broken. Today’s breakthrough belongs to everyone,” he said.
While the local authorities have confirmed the development, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Udeme Edet, noted that she was yet to receive a comprehensive briefing from the tactical teams involved in the raid.
