Benue: Nigerian Police swing into action, rescue 5 abducted passengers, 13 still in captivity

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, has confirmed the rescue of five passengers who were abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo road.

The victims were among a group of travelers attacked on Wednesday night while on board a Benue Links bus. The incident had sparked concern over the safety of commuters along the busy route.

Speaking with journalists in Makurdi, Emenari revealed that a total of 18 people, including the driver, were in the vehicle at the time of the attack.

He explained that three passengers were not taken by the gunmen, while two others managed to escape during the chaos. This leaves 13 victims still in captivity.

“For now, we cannot say this is what happened because the Benue Links bus driver picked those passengers up along the road.

“So, the five of them that were rescued so far, none of them are JAMB candidates. And from our questions, too, when we were debriefing the people that were rescued, there is no indication that they are JAMB candidates. But we suspect that one or two of them might be JAMB candidates.

“The most important thing now is for us to rescue the passengers, no matter who they are. The 13 victims are still in a danger zone,” the CP said.

Emenari assured all that security operatives were intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims.

“We are on top of the situation. Our rescue teams are in Otukpo, and we are not going to leave until the last victim is rescued.

“We have put in motion everything that is needed to flush out every criminal in that bush. However, our plans are in our chest, but surely we will get them,” he added.

The CP reiterated the command’s commitment to rid the state of criminal elements, stating that operations have started across the state.

“Right now, we are doing clearing operations across the state, including Apa and Logo LGAs.

“This is April, the beginning of the farming season, where you normally have volume of farmers and herders crises. So, they have been planning to strike, but we have contained them,” he stated.

The passengers were reportedly travelling to Otukpo, with some believed to be heading for the ongoing UTME conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

The police had earlier said 14 passengers were abducted in the incident.