Troops of 23 Bde deployed Wukari on EX AYEM AKPATUMA and team of
Department of State Service from Jalingohave arrested three (3)
suspects in connection with the kidnapping and murdering of Honourable
Hosea Ibi, a member of Taraba State House of Assembly and Mr
Chidiebere who was later released after the ransom was paid.
Honourable Hosea Ibi, who was abducted by gunmen in December 31st
2017,was found dead near a forest by the roadside in Takum LGA of the
state on Monday, January 15th. It was learnt that the kidnappers killed
the lawmaker, representing Takum, after collecting N35 million ransom.
The suspects are Jaka Ejukun (24years), Peter Isaga (33years) and
Arachukwu Bedforth (21years).
In a followed up investigation, a raid operation was conducted on Sunday
25 February 2018 by the combined team of own troops and Department
of State Services in Gbise, Kastina Ala LGA where more arrests were
made. During the operation, the following suspects were arrested at
various locations. They are Isaiah Suwe (23 years) a Tiv by tribe from
Lessel Ushongo LGA of Benue State, Amadu Barnarbas Torva (aka
Atamanin) (23 years) from Gbise Kastina Ala LGA of Benue State, Aondi
Teroo (21 years), Nengenen Mbaawuaga Damian (22 years), Aondoase
Kayitor (18 years) and Ternenge Tersoo (19 years). Consequently, a
total of 9 persons have been arrested in the kidnapping and murdering
of Honourable Hosea Ibi.
One of the suspects Amadu Barnabas Torva, participated actively in
kidnapping and murdering of Honourable Hosea Ibi. Items recovered
from him include, 3 Glo sim cards, 3 MTN sim cards, 2 Etisalat sim cards,
1 Airtel sim card, One Gionee Android phone, 3 Techno dual sim phones
and his voter’s card. Other items include, 1 First Bank ATM cards
without name on it with number 5061051125350935375, 1 vigilante
identity card with Taraba State Command belonging to one Mr Moses
Yaro suspected to be a previous victim of the gang and flash drive.
Suspects are presently in own custody undergoing Department of State
Service interrogation.