Benue State Leader, Descon Tor Yaji, Kidnapped by Gunmen in Late-Night Attack

Gunmen have abducted Descon Tor Yaji, the President General of the Kunav United Development Association in Benue State. Yaji was kidnapped around 10 p.m. on Monday from his home in Tsar Mbaduku, Vandeikya Local Government Area, while relaxing with friends.

Reports indicate that the assailants arrived at his residence unexpectedly and forcibly took him away. Following the abduction, police in Benue State swung into action, launching an investigation to locate and rescue the tribal leader.

Catherine Anene, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday. She revealed that police detectives were immediately deployed to track the perpetrators and rescue Yaji. The police have also called on the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation and the safe return of the victim.

Anene further detailed that on December 30, 2024, around 8:30 p.m., the Vandeikya Police Division received information about the kidnapping. Authorities are now actively working to gather more intelligence on the crime and have promised to update the public as the investigation progresses.

This development comes amid a series of violent attacks and abductions in Benue State, with recent reports of gunmen abducting a pastor and his family in Ondo, and the tragic killings of 11 villagers in a Christmas Day assault.