Thirteen passengers kidnapped from a Benue Links Transport Company bus have been successfully rescued following a joint operation by security personnel and local vigilantes.
Newsonspot reported that the victims were abducted last week at Eke community, along the Otukpo-Otukpa road in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State. According to reports, the commercial vehicle, registered as 14B-143BN, was ambushed around 6:30 p.m. by armed attackers who robbed passengers and led several into the nearby forest, sparking widespread fear in the area.
Read This: Gunmen Attack Benue Links Bus, Abduct Passengers-Rescue Efforts Underway…
The Chairman of Okpokwu LGA, Adah Inalegwu, confirmed the rescue on Sunday in a statement to Channels Television. He said the operation was carried out in phases, with two passengers released on Saturday as pressure mounted on the abductors. Inalegwu also commended the swift mobilization of youths from neighbouring Kogi State who assisted in combing the dense forest terrain.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Hyacinth Alia for his timely logistical support, which enhanced surveillance and tracking capabilities. The freed passengers are currently undergoing profiling and medical evaluation, and will soon be reunited with their families.
