Gunmen on Sunday evening hijacked a Benue Links commercial bus along the Otukpo-Otukpa road in Benue State, abducting several passengers, according to the state police command.
In a statement released on Monday morning, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Edet Udeme, confirmed the attack and said a search-and-rescue operation had begun.
He explained that the Hummer bus, with registration number 14B-143BN, was later found abandoned by the roadside in Ugbokolo, located in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
“Upon receiving the distress information, police tactical teams, in collaboration with the military and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, swiftly mobilised to the scene,” Udeme said.
During the search in the nearby forest, the team was able to rescue one passenger, identified as Paul Terns, who managed to escape from the kidnappers.
Udeme added that more reinforcements had been sent to the area to increase the chances of rescuing the remaining victims. “Efforts are ongoing to locate and safely recover all the abducted passengers,” he stated.
The police urged the public to remain calm and support the investigation with useful information. Authorities have also promised to keep the public informed as the rescue operation continues.
