The Benue State Police Command has rescued 14 passengers who were abducted during an attack on a Benue Links commercial bus near Ikobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area.
AFRIPOST had initially reported that the bus, en route from Makurdi to Otukpo, was ambushed on Thursday night by armed men at the Otukpo Burnt Bricks axis.
According to a statement from the command’s spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, the attackers opened fire on the vehicle, fatally wounding the driver and a front-seat passenger.
Security personnel, alongside operatives from the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, swiftly mobilized to the scene.
They discovered the two injured victims, who were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while other passengers had been whisked away into the forest.
A coordinated manhunt began immediately. By Friday afternoon, security operatives located the kidnappers in a nearby forest and engaged them in a fierce exchange of gunfire.
Overpowered, the gunmen fled, leaving their captives behind.
Fourteen hostages were rescued, though two of them sustained machete wounds. One of the rescued victims died at the hospital, while others are currently receiving treatment.
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and assured the public that efforts were underway to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He urged residents of Otukpo to report anyone nursing gunshot wounds to the authorities.