Dr. Emmanuel Barki, the acting rector of Benue State Polytechnic, Ugbokolo, has reportedly been kidnapped along with some staff of the institution by unknown armed men on the Otukpo-Enugu highway.
The incident occurred as they were returning from Makurdi to Ugbokolo, Okpokwu Local Government Area of the state.
According to a source within the institution who spoke anonymously, the victims, including the driver, were ambushed by armed men who abandoned the school bus and took them into the bush.
“We gathered that they were all on their way from Makurdi to Ugbokolo and were waylaid and kidnapped along the Otukpo-Enugu highway,” the source said.
“Today, we heard that the kidnappers have already contacted the family of the Rector and are demanding a ransom of N70 million.”
Confirming the incident, Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser to the Governor on Internal Security, stated that efforts were underway to rescue the victims. However, he noted he was not aware of the ransom demand.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, also confirmed the incident, stating that investigations were ongoing.
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