Police rescue 14 kidnapped victims in Benue, confirm three dead

Benue State Police Command has rescued unhurt 14 persons abducted from Benue Links bus conveying passengers from Makurdi to Otukpo in the State.

The police also confirmed the death of the driver of the bus and some passengers who were injured by the gunmen.

This was contained in a statement on Friday by the Spokesman of the Benue State Police Command, CSP, Catherine Anene.

According to the statement: “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.

“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.

“Fourteen (14) victims were rescued and taken to the hospital where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment.”

Anene said the Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP. Steve Yabanet commiserated with families of the three passengers that lost their lives in the dastardly incident and pledged his commitment to bring the perpetuators to book.

He enjoined the good people of Otukpo to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the police as many of the bandits received gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.