Gunmen have abducted 14 passengers travelling along the Otukpo–Adoka road in Benue State, with the police confirming that five of the victims have so far been rescued.
The incident occurred on Thursday night when an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja was ambushed along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area.
A resident, Ochai, said the gunmen intercepted the bus and forced all the passengers into a nearby forest.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, said security operatives launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday.
According to him, the operation involved an exchange of gunfire with the suspected kidnappers and resulted in the rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy.
“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this Friday morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers,” Aondongu said.
He disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.
Aondongu added that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to rescue the remaining nine passengers.
He said the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the victims prioritised.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, assured the victims’ families and residents that security operatives would continue their efforts until all the abducted passengers were rescued.
He also urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in their operations.
The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over kidnappings and other security challenges in parts of Otukpo and Ohimini Local Government Areas.
