One Dead as Police Rescue 13 Kidnapped Benue Links Passengers

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of 13 passengers who were abducted from a Benue Links bus on Thursday evening in Otukpo Local Government Area. One of the victims, however, died from injuries sustained during the abduction.

In a statement released late Friday in Makurdi, the Command’s spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, revealed that the rescued passenger succumbed to machete wounds inflicted by the kidnappers shortly after being taken to the hospital.

The attack occurred on April 3 near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area. Armed men had ambushed the commercial bus, killing the driver and one passenger on the spot before abducting the remaining 14 passengers.

Responding swiftly, the police—working in collaboration with the State Civil Protection Guard—arrived at the scene to find the driver and one passenger critically injured in the vehicle. The rest had been taken into the bush by the assailants.

According to the police, a search operation was immediately launched in the surrounding forest. On April 4, around 3:00 p.m., officers encountered the kidnappers and engaged them in a gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by police firepower, fled the scene, abandoning the captives.

Two of the victims had suffered machete wounds during their ordeal. All 14 rescued individuals were taken to the hospital, where one later died. The others are currently receiving medical treatment.

Commissioner of Police Steve Yabanet has extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured that efforts are underway to apprehend those responsible. He also urged residents of Otukpo to report anyone with suspicious gunshot injuries, as some of the attackers were believed to have been wounded during the firefight.