The Benue State Police Command has successfully rescued 14 passengers who were kidnapped from a Benue Links bus traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo. The rescue operation, however, came with tragic consequences as three victims, including the bus driver, lost their lives.
In a statement issued in Makurdi, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed that the incident occurred on April 3 near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area. Armed assailants ambushed the vehicle, killing the driver and one passenger on the spot, before abducting the remaining 14 passengers.
Responding swiftly, a joint team of police officers and personnel from the State Civil Protection Guard rushed to the scene. They discovered the driver and another passenger inside the bus with gunshot wounds; both were taken to the hospital but were later confirmed dead.
The search for the kidnapped passengers intensified, and on April 4 at around 3:00 p.m., security operatives located the kidnappers inside a nearby forest. A fierce gun battle ensued, during which the superior firepower of the police forced the abductors to flee, abandoning their captives.
“Unfortunately, two of the victims had sustained machete injuries before the rescue,” Anene revealed. “Fourteen passengers were rescued and taken to the hospital, but sadly, one of them was confirmed dead. The others are receiving medical attention.”
The Commissioner of Police, Mr. Steve Yabanet, extended his condolences to the families of those who died and assured the public that the perpetrators would be tracked down and brought to justice.
He also urged residents of Otukpo and surrounding areas to be vigilant and report anyone with suspicious injuries, particularly gunshot wounds, as several of the fleeing kidnappers are believed to have been wounded during the confrontation.
