Police arrest Benue lecturer for allegedly masterminding kidnap of his colleague’s wife
The Benue State Police Command has apprehended Dr. Ichor Tersagh Smart, a lecturer at Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University of Agriculture in Makurdi, on suspicion of orchestrating the kidnapping of his colleague’s wife, Mrs. Susan Anyagh.
Mrs. Anyagh, whose husband, Paul Anyagh, serves as the chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (JOSTUM chapter), was ambushed and taken by armed men while traveling along Otukpo Road in Makurdi last Saturday.
SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, the police spokesperson, revealed in a statement on Friday, December 13, 2024, that the victim was later discovered along Yandev-Ugbema Road and was promptly taken to the Primary Healthcare Clinic in Ameladu for medical attention.
After regaining consciousness, the victim recounted how she spotted her husband’s colleague near the site of her abduction and called out to him for help, but he chose to walk away. During her captivity, her kidnappers received a call from Dr. Ichor, who allegedly instructed them to kill her.
“On the 7/12/2024 at about 0900hrs information was received at Police Headquarters, Makurdi, that Mrs. Susan Anyagh, wife of the chairman, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Joseph Sawuaan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM) chapter was kidnapped along Otukpo road, Makurdi and taken hostage in her car that was being driven to an unknown destination,” the statement read.
“In quick response, the Commissioner of Police, Benue State command, Cp. Steve H. Yabanet, FCID psc(+) immediately ordered all patrol officers and check points to ensure her rescue and arrest of kidnappers involved.
“At about 1300hrs another information was received along Yandev-Ugbema road that the said victim was attacked by her assailants and left unconscious by the road side. She was identified and rushed to Primary Healthcare Clinic, Ameladu for treatment.
“Subsequently, the victim started responding to treatment and gained consciousness. She stated that while she was driving from NNPC mega fuel station, Kanshio where she went to collect money from her customer, she was flag down at Otukpo road by persons who claimed to be in need and she stopped to render help. They quickly jumped into her car and pointed a gun at her, ordered her to drive towards Wurukum area.
“Immediately, she looked outside the car and saw her husbands colleague; Dr. Ichor Tersagh Smart of JOSTUM standing by the car, she beckoned on him for help but he turned his back and walked away. While moving in the vehicle, her abductors received a call from Dr. Ichor ordering that she should be killed and she became agitated.
“When they sighted a police check point ahead that was checking vehicles, they decided to reverse to a hidden place, they parked the car, brought her out, collected the sum of one million three hundred and fifty thousand naira ( #1,350,000 ) she had in the car, opened the car boot and took a vehicle jack which they used to hit the back of her neck and she fell.
“Dr. Ichor has been arrested in connection with the case and investigation is ongoing.Details of the investigation will be communicated in due time and necessary actions shall be taken.
“The CP has advised all concerned persons to be law abiding and patient with the police as diligent investigation will be carried out to establish the fact in issue.”