Police rescue 14 abducted passengers in Benue

In a major breakthrough against kidnapping in Benue State, the Police Command has successfully rescued 14 passengers who were abducted by armed men near Otukpo.

The encouraging development was confirmed in a statement released on Friday night by the command’s spokesperson, Catherine Anene. Although full details of the rescue operation are yet to be made public, Anene assured that the passengers were safely recovered and are now receiving appropriate care.

“The team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately.”

“On 4/4/2025 at about 1500hrs, they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel. The superior firepower of the police subdued them and they took to their heels, abandoning their captives.

“Unfortunately, they had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue. Fourteen (14) victims were rescued and taken to the hospital, where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment,” the statement read.

Earlier, it was reported that armed gunmen killed two persons and abducted thirteen passengers in Benue State.

Reports indicated that the incident occurred near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area in Otukpo Local Government Area.

The development was confirmed by the management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited in a statement issued by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Daniel.

Part of the statement had read: “Benue Links Nigeria Limited regrets to announce the tragic attack on one of its buses, bearing registration number PP512, which was en route from Makurdi to Otukpo.”

The incident occurred on the evening of Thursday, April 3, 2025, near Otukpo Burnt Bricks, when the armed assailants ambushed the vehicle.

Regrettably, the driver of the 18-seater bus, Mr. Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were fatally shot by the attackers.

While the gunmen attempted to abduct the remaining passengers, three individuals managed to escape, and another passenger had earlier disembarked at Taraku town before the incident.”

The management had extended its condolences, stating: “Benue Links Nigeria Limited extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stands in solidarity with those whose loved ones remain in captivity. We assure the general public that we are in constant communication with security agencies, who are making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted passengers. We appreciate the swift response of the law enforcement agencies and express confidence in their ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of those taken.”