Combined security operatives have rescued the remaining 13 passengers who were abducted on Wednesday night along the Makurdi-Otukpo road in Benue State, police have confirmed.
The Benue State Police Command announced the development in a text message to journalists early Sunday morning, adding that the Commissioner of Police would address the press on the rescue operation later in the day.
Gunmen had on Wednesday night attacked a Benue Links state-owned transport vehicle, intercepting it and abducting several passengers. Among those taken were reportedly young men and women en route to Otukpo to participate in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
On Friday, police confirmed that two passengers had managed to escape from their captors. The remaining 13 have now been rescued.
Fifteen of the rescued victims were conveyed to the Old Banquet Hall of the Government House, Makurdi, ahead of their presentation to Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Police earlier announced the arrest of seven suspects linked to the kidnapping incident in Otukpo Local Government Area. According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Command, Udeme Edet, the arrests were achieved through a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.
“Further intelligence gathered in the course of the operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, who are currently in police custody while investigation is ongoing,” the statement read.
The command added that operatives conducted a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and surrounding areas, leading to the successful rescue of the victims, who are currently receiving medical attention.
The police also denied reports that the victims were students travelling to sit for the UTME, describing the claim as incorrect. “The victims were not confirmed to be part of any organised UTME-bound student convoy but passengers in a Makurdi-bound bus,” the statement read.
