Gunmen Abduct 14 Passengers on Benue Highway, Five Rescued, Nine Still Missing

By Njideka Agbo

MAKURDI — Panic has gripped communities along the Otukpo–Adoka road in Benue State after gunmen ambushed a commercial bus and abducted all 14 passengers on board, with security operatives rescuing five victims during a gun battle with the kidnappers.

The incident occurred on Thursday night along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area, when an 18 seater commercial bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja was reportedly intercepted by the armed men.

A resident of the area, Ochai, said the gunmen forced the passengers from the vehicle and marched them into the surrounding forest.

The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident on Friday, saying its operatives launched a coordinated rescue operation shortly after receiving information about the abduction.

According to the command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, the operation involved an exchange of gunfire with the suspected kidnappers and resulted in the rescue of five victims, including a four year old boy.

However, nine passengers remain in the custody of the kidnappers as security agencies intensify efforts to secure their release.

One of the rescued victims reportedly sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.

Aondongu said the rescue operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers given priority.

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, assured the victims’ families and members of the public that security agencies would continue operations until all the remaining passengers are rescued.

He also urged residents in the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could assist in locating the kidnappers and rescuing the remaining victims.

The latest attack has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Otukpo and Ohimini Local Government Areas, where residents have reportedly experienced a series of killings and kidnapping incidents in recent weeks.

Security agencies are expected to sustain operations in the affected areas as families of the nine remaining victims await their safe return.