The Taraba State Police Command has successfully arrested a suspected kidnapper linked to the abduction of a 100-year-old man in Sabon Pegi, Ibi Local Government Area. The victim, identified as Joshua Magani Ubandoma, was rescued following a coordinated operation.
The spokesperson of the command, ASP James Lashen Saminu, confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.
According to Saminu, the abduction took place on August 6, 2025, at about 9:30 a.m., when three unidentified armed men stormed the victim’s residence and whisked him away at gunpoint.
Quoting the police report, he said:
“On 06/08/2025 at about 0930hrs, a report was received at Ibi Division by one Hillary Habila Ubandoma that three unidentified armed hoodlums invaded the house of one Joshua Magani Ubandoma, 100 years, of Sabon Pegi, and took him away.”
Following the report, operatives attached to the Ibi Division, working in collaboration with local youths, immediately swung into action. They trailed the kidnappers by following motorcycle tyre marks into the forest and carried out an extensive search.
Through relentless efforts, the police apprehended one Kingsley Alose, a 37-year-old man from Sabon Pegi, on September 2, 2025, in connection with the abduction. The case is currently under investigation.
Commending the efforts of her officers, the Commissioner of Police, CP Betty Enekpen Isokpan Otimenyin, psc, mnips, assured Taraba residents of the command’s dedication to combating crime. She said:
“The command will continue to work diligently to prevent crime and create a safe and secure environment for all.”
This successful operation reinforces the commitment of the Taraba State Police Command to safeguarding lives and property across the state.
