Police Rescue 14 Kidnapped Passengers in Benue
The Benue State Police Command has successfully rescued 14 passengers of Benue Links who were abducted by unknown gunmen on Thursday evening in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, confirmed the incident, stating that the attack occurred on April 3 near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area.
According to Anene, the assailants ambushed the commercial bus, fatally shooting the driver and one passenger before abducting 14 others and taking them into the surrounding forest.
Responding swiftly, a joint team of police operatives and members of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards arrived at the scene and discovered the bodies of the deceased inside the vehicle, both suffering from gunshot wounds. A search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched.
“On April 4, around 3:00 p.m., officers tracked the kidnappers to a forested area where they encountered them and engaged in a gun battle. Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the police, the criminals fled the scene, abandoning their captives,” Anene stated.
Tragically, two of the victims had sustained machete wounds before the rescue operation.
Fourteen passengers were recovered and rushed to the hospital, where one was later confirmed dead. The remaining survivors are currently receiving medical treatment.
Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and assured the public that the perpetrators would be apprehended and prosecuted.
He also urged residents of Otukpo to report anyone with unexplained gunshot wounds, as several of the assailants were believed to have been injured during the firefight.
Police Rescue 14 Kidnapped Passengers in Benue
