Police rescue 14 abducted Benue passengers

The police in Benue State have rescued 14 passengers onboard the Benue Links bus attacked by gunmen while travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo. The management of the state-owned Benue Links had earlier said that the vehicle was attacked by the gunmen on Thursday evening during which the driver and a passenger was killed while the […]

The police in Benue State have rescued 14 passengers onboard the Benue Links bus attacked by gunmen while travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo.

The management of the state-owned Benue Links had earlier said that the vehicle was attacked by the gunmen on Thursday evening during which the driver and a passenger was killed while the remaining occupants were abducted.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene, however in a statement at the weekend, noted that the kidnapped passengers had been rescued with one out of the 14 confirmed dead as a result of injury inflicted on him by the abductors.

Anene stated, “On 3/4/2025 at about 2030hrs, a Toyota Hiace bus of Benue Links Transport Company was conveying passengers from Makurdi to Otukpo, on reaching Otukpo Burnt Bricks area, a gang of armed kidnappers shot sporadically at the driver and a passenger at the front seat, causing the driver to stop on the high way.

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“Upon receipt of this information, the police in collaboration with members of the Benue state Civil Protection Guard swiftly moved to the scene and found the driver and one passenger who sustained gunshot injuries in the vehicle while others were whisked away by the kidnappers. The injured were conveyed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a doctor.

“The team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately. On 4/4/2025 at about 1500hrs, they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel. The superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels abandoning their captives.

“Unfortunately, they had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue.  14 victims were rescued and taken to the hospital where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment.

“The Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP. Steve H. Yabanet FCID, commiserates with families of the three passengers that lost their lives in this dastardly incident and pledge his commitment to bring perpetrators to book.’’