From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Steve Yabanet said the command has rescued 14 kidnapped passengers of Benue Links vehicle who were abducted Thursday night in Benue state.
Recall that gunmen hijacked a Benue Links bus belonging to Benue state Transport Company, killing the driver and kidnapping the passengers on board.
The incident took place in Ikobi, Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of the State on Thursday night.
The General Manager of the company, Alexander Fanafa, said who confirmed the incident said one of its buses, bearing Registration Number PP512, was en route from Makurdi to Otukpo when armed assailants ambushed the vehicle near Otukpo Burnt Bricks.
“Regrettably, the driver of the 18-seater bus, Mr. Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were fatally shot by the attackers.
Speaking on their rescue, the Police Commissioner, in a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, CSP Catherine Anene said 14 vi Tim’s were rescued, some with machete cut injuries inflicted on them by the abductors.
The statement read, “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.”
The Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP. Steve Yabanet 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 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.