RismadarVoice Reporters
October 27, 2026
The Benue State Police Command has arrested a 60-year-old man over the alleged sexual abuse of a 10-year-old girl in Igumale, Ado Local Government Area of the state.
The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, disclosed the arrest on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Makurdi on the command’s security operations during October.
According to Nwadiogbu, the incident was reported on October 13, prompting an investigation and the subsequent arrest of the suspect.
He said the child was taken for medical examination and appropriate treatment, while measures were being taken to protect her privacy and welfare.
The commissioner assured that the case would be handled in accordance with the law, adding that investigations were continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding the allegation.
He reiterated the command’s commitment to protecting children and other vulnerable persons from sexual violence and exploitation.
Providing updates on other security operations, Nwadiogbu announced that police personnel and collaborating security agencies rescued 29 kidnapped victims across the state during the period under review.
He said four passengers abducted along the Ayilamo–Tse-Abi Road in Logo Local Government Area on October 5 were rescued through a joint security operation.
Another 17 farmers were reportedly rescued from communities in Tombo District, Logo Local Government Area, on October 7.
The commissioner also confirmed the rescue of eight kidnapped victims, including a Catholic priest, following an attack along the Ugbokolo–Ajegbe–Awume Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The rescue operation, conducted in collaboration with other security personnel, resulted in the arrest of two suspected kidnappers.
Nwadiogbu further disclosed that 34 foreign nationals were arrested during separate operations in October.
They included 16 Cameroonian nationals apprehended in Otukpo on October 9 and 18 Nigerien nationals intercepted at Orokam on October 22.
He explained that investigations were ongoing to establish their immigration status and determine whether any offences had been committed.
The command also reported the recovery of seven locally fabricated firearms and 16 rounds of ammunition and cartridges during operations targeting violent crime and suspected cult activities.
Nwadiogbu commended security personnel, community leaders and residents for supporting intelligence-led policing efforts.
He also acknowledged the contributions of Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu and Governor Hyacinth Alia to security operations in the state.
The commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies, assuring that the command would continue efforts to protect lives and property.
The suspect in the alleged child sexual abuse case remains presumed innocent unless convicted by a court of competent jurisdiction.
