A relative of recently kidnapped Benue community leader, Emmanuel Yaji, has confessed to masterminding the abduction to extort money from his own family, police authorities have revealed.

Emmanuel Yaji, leader of the Kunav United Development Association, was abducted on December 30, 2024, at his country home in Tsar Mbaduku, Vandeikya Local Government Area of Benue State. Gunmen stormed a relaxation centre where he was with friends around 10pm and took him hostage.

Less than 24 hours later, police rescued Yaji, killed one of the kidnappers, and arrested another.

Providing an update on Thursday, the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, a Chief Superintendent of Police, said further investigations led to the arrest of additional gang members, including Yaji’s relative, Teryima Yaji, who orchestrated the abduction, and a native doctor, Terna Sule, who allegedly prepared the gang for the operation.

“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Steve Yabanet, ordered a detailed investigation into the case, leading to the arrest of more gang members,” Anene stated.

“They include Teryima Yaji, a relative of the victim and the mastermind of the kidnapping, who confessed to planning the abduction to make money from his relative.

“Also, Terna Sule, a native doctor who prepared the gang for the operation and led them in the attack, was arrested,” she further added.

The police spokesperson confirmed that the suspects would be charged in court upon the completion of the investigation. (The PUNCH: Text, Excluding Headline)