The Benue State Police Command has rescued 14 passengers who were abducted by gunmen on Thursday evening in Otukpo Local Government Area.
According to a statement issued in Makurdi by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, the incident occurred on April 3 near the Burnt Bricks area in Otukpo. A Benue Links commercial bus was ambushed, resulting in the death of the driver and one passenger on the spot.
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The assailants abducted 14 remaining passengers and took them to an unknown location. A joint team of police officers and members of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guard quickly responded to the distress call and arrived at the scene, where they discovered the wounded driver and passenger inside the vehicle. Both were transported to a hospital but were later confirmed dead.
Security operatives immediately began a search and rescue operation within the surrounding forest. During the operation on April 4 around 3:00 p.m., the kidnappers were located, and a gun battle ensued. The superior firepower of the police forced the criminals to flee, leaving the abducted victims behind.
Two of the hostages were found with machete injuries, while the others were rescued unharmed. All 14 victims were taken to a hospital for medical attention. One of them, however, was later pronounced dead.
The Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, has extended condolences to the families of the deceased and reaffirmed the commitment of the police to apprehending those behind the attack. Residents of Otukpo and nearby communities have been advised to report anyone with gunshot injuries, as some of the fleeing suspects are believed to have been wounded during the encounter.
