Husband’s colleague arrested

By Henry Iyorkase, Makurdi

Mrs Susan Sedoo, wife of the ASUU Chairman at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, formerly the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi, Benue State, has been kidnapped.

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, disclosed on December 7, 2024, that the abduction occurred along Otukpo Road.

In a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi, Anene revealed that the incident happened within the state capital. Mrs Sedoo was reportedly taken hostage in her car and driven to an unknown destination.

Reacting to the incident, the State Commissioner of Police, CP Steve Yabanet, expressed concern and immediately directed patrol officers and checkpoints across the state to ensure her rescue. He also ordered the arrest of the suspected kidnappers to bring them to justice.

In a related development, Yabanet disclosed that another incident was reported along the Yandev-Ugbema Road around 1:00 p.m. A victim was attacked by assailants and left unconscious by the roadside. The individual was identified, rushed to the Primary Healthcare Clinic in Ameladu for treatment, and is now recovering.

Recounting her ordeal, Mrs Sedoo explained that she had visited the NNPC Mega Fuel Station in Kanshio to collect money from a customer. On her way back, she stopped along Otukpo Road to assist individuals who flagged her down, claiming they needed help.

“Shortly after I picked them up, they pointed a gun at me and ordered me to drive towards the Wurukum area,” she recounted.

She added that during the incident, she saw her husband’s colleague, Dr Ichor Tersagh Smart of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, standing nearby. She called out for help, but he ignored her and walked away.

While still in motion, her abductors allegedly received a call from Dr Ichor, instructing them to kill her. Upon sighting a police checkpoint ahead, the kidnappers reversed the car, parked in a hidden area, and removed her from the vehicle. They stole ₦1,350,000 she had in the car, took a vehicle jack from the boot, and struck her on the back of her neck, leaving her unconscious.

Dr Ichor has since been arrested in connection with the case. The police confirmed that investigations are ongoing, with further details expected to emerge.

The Commissioner of Police urged the public to remain law-abiding and patient as the investigation continues. He also advised residents to exercise caution during the festive season to avoid falling prey to criminal activities.