Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Suspected kidnappers have abducted a young man identified as Nanmwa Turfa, a candidate for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, in Plateau State. Turfa was reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Monday while returning home from Bokkos Local Government Area after sitting for the examination organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). The abductors initially demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release, throwing his family into a state of anguish and panic.
According to security sources, the incident occurred around 5:00 a.m. on April 20 at Maiduna village, where armed men reportedly took the victim to an unknown destination. Troops under Sector 5 of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP), in collaboration with other security agencies, responded swiftly to the report and conducted search and rescue operations within the area. However, they were yet to establish contact with the kidnappers as of the time of this report. The family has confirmed that the kidnappers later made contact, demanding a ransom of N1 million for the victim’s release, creating uncertainty over the exact details of the financial demand. Separate security reports indicated that another abducted victim in the same area may have been linked to the incident, with a reported ransom demand of N1 million, further complicating the situation.
Security presence has since been reinforced in the community as efforts continue to locate the victim and secure his release. The abduction of a JAMB candidate has heightened concerns over the safety of students and other vulnerable groups travelling for examinations in the state. Bokkos Local Government Area has witnessed a series of violent incidents in recent months, including attacks by suspected gunmen, and the latest kidnapping adds to the growing list of security challenges in the region. Parents and guardians have expressed fears over the safety of their children, with many calling on the government to take urgent steps to protect citizens.
The incident has also drawn attention to the broader security situation in Plateau State, which has been plagued by banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes for years. The state government has been under pressure to address the root causes of the violence, including the proliferation of small arms and the lack of adequate security infrastructure in rural areas. The military, through Operation Enduring Peace, has intensified its operations in the state, but the persistent attacks suggest that more needs to be done to restore lasting peace. The kidnapping of Turfa is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of young people pursuing their educational aspirations in a climate of insecurity. It is a tragedy that his future, once filled with promise, has been violently interrupted by the greed of criminals.
As the search for Nanmwa Turfa continues, his family waits in agony, hoping for his safe return. The community of Maiduna village remains on edge, fearful of further attacks. The government and security agencies must act decisively to rescue Turfa and bring the perpetrators to justice. Only then can the people of Plateau State begin to feel a measure of safety and security.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments