The Benue State Police Command has arrested Dr. Ichor Tersagh Smart, a lecturer at Joseph Sawuaan Tarka University Makurdi (JOSTUM), over his alleged involvement in the abduction of Susan Anyagh, wife of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) chairman at the institution.
The arrest was disclosed by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Catherine Anene, in a statement issued on Friday in Makurdi.
Anene explained that on the morning of December 7, 2024, police headquarters in Makurdi received information that Susan Anyagh had been kidnapped along Otukpo Road.
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She was reportedly taken hostage in her car, which was driven to an unknown destination. Acting swiftly, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Steve Yabanet, ordered all patrol officers at checkpoints to prioritize the rescue of the victim and the apprehension of the culprits.
By 1 p.m. the same day, the police received an update that the victim had been attacked by her abductors and left unconscious by the roadside along Yandev-Ugbema Road. Susan was identified and rushed to a Primary Healthcare Clinic in Ameladu for urgent medical attention.
After regaining consciousness, Susan narrated the harrowing incident. She explained that while driving from the NNPC Mega Station to Kanshio to collect money from a customer, she stopped along Otukpo Road to assist individuals who appeared to be in need.
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The suspects then forced their way into her car, threatening her with a gun and ordering her to drive towards the Wurukum area.
To her shock, Susan spotted her husband’s colleague, Dr. Ichor Tersagh Smart, standing nearby. Hoping for assistance, she beckoned to him, but he allegedly turned his back and walked away.
She further revealed that during the drive, her abductors received a phone call from Ichor, who allegedly ordered them to kill her.
The victim recounted that as the car approached a police checkpoint, the kidnappers reversed to a hidden location, where they assaulted her, stole ₦1,350,000 she had in the car, and hit her with a jack, leaving her unconscious.
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PPRO Catherine Anene confirmed the arrest of Dr. Ichor Tersagh Smart in connection with the case. She assured the public that a thorough investigation was ongoing and that further details would be provided in due course.
CP Steve Yabanet urged all concerned individuals to remain law-abiding and patient, pledging that the police would carry out a diligent and transparent investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served.