Police Rescue 14 Kidnapped Passengers in Benue, Gunmen Kill Driver, Passenger

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Police in Benue State, in collaboration with the State Civil Protection Guard, have rescued 14 passengers abducted on Thursday night near Otukpo.

The victims were seized after gunmen ambushed their 18-seater bus, belonging to Benue Transport Company, at Ikobi, a few kilometers from Otukpo town.

During the attack, the assailants shot and killed the driver, Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger. The kidnappers initially took several passengers hostage, but a female passenger later escaped and alerted the police.
Security operatives tracked the bandits into the forest and engaged them in a gun battle, forcing them to flee and abandon their captives.

However, two of the rescued victims sustained machete wounds inflicted by the kidnappers.

While 14 passengers were successfully freed and taken to the hospital, one later succumbed to injuries.

The police confirmed the operation’s success but noted that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.

Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, and the transport company’s management verified the incident, stating that three passengers had earlier escaped captivity.

The police spokesperson, Catherine Anene, assured the public of continued efforts to ensure safety on Benue roads.