The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen linked to the abduction of passengers from an 18 seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi to Otukpo road last Wednesday.
The victims, including candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB who were travelling to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been rescued.
Briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue was achieved through a coordinated effort involving multiple security agencies.
According to him, five of the abducted passengers were initially released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning.
“With the earlier release of five occupants of the vehicle, the remaining 13 were rescued this, Sunday, morning unhurt,” Emenari stated.
He attributed the success of the operation to the support of Governor Alia and the Inspector General of Police, noting that the deployment of a tactical team intensified pressure on the kidnappers.
“That is why we were able to mount pressure on the bandits to ensure the victims’ safe return,” he added.
The police commissioner disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, with seven believed to be directly involved in the abduction.
“We already have eight suspects in our custody, and out of this number, seven are suspected herdsmen bandits connected with the crime. Some of the victims have been able to identify them,” he said.
He also revealed that security forces have commenced clearance operations across the state to dislodge criminal elements operating from forested areas, in line with directives from the Inspector General of Police and the state government.
Receiving the rescued passengers, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping but commended security agencies for ensuring the safe return of all 18 victims.
“Among the victims are eight young people who were heading to Otukpo to write their examinations. On the whole, 18 persons were kidnapped, and I am happy to hear that they have all returned safely. I am also pleased that seven suspected herdsmen bandits have been arrested over the incident,” he said.
The governor urged JAMB to consider rescheduling the examination for the affected candidates to enable them participate.
He assured that the state government would continue to support victims while maintaining firm measures against criminal activities.
Governor Alia also called on residents to provide useful information to security agencies and directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services to conduct medical checks on all rescued individuals.
He further pledged that the government would provide necessary support for the affected passengers.
