Bandits abduct 14 passengers travelling from Enugu to Abuja

Some unknown bandits have kidnapped more than 14 people who were heading for Abuja from Enugu State through the Ankpechi – Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government of Benue State on Thursday night.

According to reports, these suspected bandits ambushed a bus carrying the passengers, made them get into the bushes, and left the bus on the road.

Speaking on the development, the spokesman for Benue State Police Command, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, confirmed that security operatives have freed five of the victims, which include a four-year-old boy.

Meanwhile, he noted that there are other nine victims that are under the control of their kidnappers. He went further to state that the police command commenced a joint effort to free the rest of the victims early this morning.

This, according to him, led to exchange of fire between the security men and the suspected kidnappers, leading to the freeing of five victims.

The police spokesperson explained that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot wound during the operation and was immediately taken to a medical facility in Otukpo, where the victim is receiving treatment.

Aondongu said operatives of the command, working alongside other security agencies, were intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining nine victims safely, assuring that the operation was being conducted with caution, with the safety of the abducted passengers as the primary objective.

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, acknowledged the concerns of the victims’ families and members of the public, saying that concerted efforts were underway to secure the safe release of those still in captivity.

The command urged residents of the affected communities and the general public to remain calm and vigilant and provide the police with credible information that could assist the ongoing rescue operation and help prevent similar incidents.

The police assured the public that they would continue to provide updates as developments unfold.