Police rescue 14 kidnapped passengers in Benue

The Benue Police Command said it rescued 14 out of the 18 passengers kidnapped on Thursday in Ikobi, near Benue Burnt Brick  Otukpo town in Benue state.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer,PPRO,CSP Sewuese Aneene, said one passenger has been confirmed dead ,bringing the  total of those who died in the unfortunate incident  to four .

The driver of the vehicle Samuel Agege was shot and killed at the spot before the passengers were taken into thick forest.

The Nation learnt gunmen opened fire on a 18- passenger seater bus belonging to Benue Links Nigeria Limited, a state owned transport company on Thursday.

The PPRO said: ” A 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.

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

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