Breaking: Hunter now the hunted! Gunmen abduct Army officer in Makurdi, demand N5m ransom

The kidnapping of Charles Ogbonna, a Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), has been reported near an army barracks in Makurdi, Benue State, capital.

The abductors, however, abandoned Ogbonna’s car with his identity card inside.

Persecondnews learnt that the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N5 million for his release.

Media outlets obtained a military signal indicating that the kidnappers are currently negotiating with the soldier’s wife.

The signal states: “Information received from the adjutant of 72 Para Battalion revealed that our unit’s Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) with identification number 93NA/36/1480, Warrant Officer Charles Ogbonna, is suspected to have been kidnapped.

“The SNCO was on leave from May 10th to May 19th, 2024, and was supposed to report for duty on Monday, May 20th, 2024, but failed to do so. The SNCO was last seen at about 190800A on May 24 driving out of the barracks at Markudi en route Agenebode.

“Troops of 72 Para Battalion later found his car abandoned along Naka-Makurdi Road while responding to a robbery and kidnapping incident. The SNCO’s military ID card was found in the car.

“Our investigation revealed that the kidnappers have contacted the SNCO’s wife, demanding a ransom of five million Naira (N5,000,000).

“72 Para Battalion has intensified efforts to search for the SNCO. Respectfully forwarded for your information.”