Troops Free Last 13 Abducted Benue Passengers After Bus Attack

Troops Free Last 13 Abducted Benue Passengers After Bus Attack

Security agencies have rescued the remaining 13 passengers kidnapped along the Makurdi–Otukpo road, bringing an end to days of uncertainty following the midweek attack on a Benue Links vehicle.

The State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the development on Sunday, noting that the victims were being transported to Makurdi as at the time of filing this report.

“Yes, we’re planning a news conference this morning when they arrive Makurdi,” the police chief said in a brief message.

The rescue follows an earlier operation that secured the release of five victims, leaving 13 in captivity before the latest breakthrough.

Gunmen had intercepted the state-owned bus on Wednesday night, abducting several passengers, many of whom were reportedly travelling to sit for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

While the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board had stated that none of its candidates were affected by the abduction, relatives of some victims disputed the claim.

One family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, insisted that several passengers on the bus were examination candidates heading to Otukpo.

“My nephew was on that bus, and he was going for his JAMB examination. Most of the passengers were candidates, only a few were not,” the source said, explaining that the urgency of the trip was due to scheduled exams the following morning.

Authorities are expected to provide further details on the rescue operation, including the condition of the victims and the circumstances surrounding their release.

The incident had raised fresh concerns about security along the Makurdi–Otukpo axis, a route that has witnessed repeated attacks in recent times.