The Benue Police Command has successfully rescued 14 passengers of a Benue Links bus who were abducted by unknown gunmen on Thursday evening in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Confirming the incident to newsmen, the command’s spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, explained that the attack occurred on April 3, around the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area, resulting in the death of the driver and one passenger. The gunmen then abducted 14 other passengers, taking them to an undisclosed location.
Anene stated that officers from the command, in collaboration with the State Civil Protection Guard, swiftly responded to the scene. Upon arrival, they found the driver and one passenger with gunshot wounds in the vehicle, while the remaining passengers had been taken away by the kidnappers. The injured were transported to the hospital, where they were later confirmed dead.
A search operation was immediately launched in the surrounding forest for the kidnapped victims. On April 4, around 3:00 PM, the police sighted the bandits and engaged them in a gun battle. The police’s superior firepower forced the bandits to flee, abandoning the hostages.
Unfortunately, two of the victims had sustained machete injuries before the rescue. The 14 victims were taken to the hospital, where one was confirmed dead, while the others are receiving treatment.
Anene further noted that the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice. He also urged the people of Otukpo to report any suspects with gunshot wounds to the police, as many of the bandits were likely injured during the exchange of fire.