A coordinated manhunt involving drone surveillance and tactical response teams is underway in Benue State to rescue 11 kidnapped passengers and their driver, following an abduction along the Otukpo-Otukpa-Enugu highway on Sunday evening.
The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. near Eke, in Okpokwu Local Government Area, where suspected kidnappers intercepted a bus operated by Benue Links Transport Company.
The vehicle was en route from Abeokuta, Ogun State, to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, carrying 12 passengers.
Johnson Daniel, the Information Officer for Benue Links, confirmed the abduction in a statement released Monday.
He noted that one passenger had managed to escape and alerted local police at Eke.
“We regret to inform the public of the unfortunate attack on one of our buses with registration number 14B – 143BN,” the statement read.
“The vehicle was discovered abandoned at Eke with passengers’ luggage still intact, but 11 passengers and the driver were missing.”
Daniel condemned the attack and assured the public that the company is fully cooperating with security agencies in efforts to secure the release of those taken.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident. A combined security task force—comprising police officers, soldiers, and members of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards—has been deployed to the area.
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, one of the kidnapped individuals, identified as Paul Terna, was rescued during initial search operations.
“Following the distress report, tactical police teams, soldiers, and local security operatives combed the surrounding bushes,” the police spokesperson said.
“We rescued one of the abducted passengers, and additional reinforcements have been deployed to intensify the operation.”
Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, is reportedly on-site, directly overseeing the rescue mission. The command confirmed that drone technology has been deployed to assist in identifying the kidnappers’ location.
“There is no new update yet, but we have deployed drones in the area to help pinpoint the kidnappers’ location,” said Anene.
Attempts to contact the acting spokesperson for Operation Whirl Stroke, Lieutenant Zubair Ahmad, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report, though he indicated he would consult with his superiors and provide feedback later.
The Otukpo/Okpokwu axis of the Enugu highway has witnessed a surge in kidnapping cases, with at least three incidents reported in the past month. Concerned residents and commuters are urging security agencies to intensify patrols and enhance surveillance in the area to address the growing threat.
