The Benue State Police Command has successfully rescued 18 passengers, including several students, who were abducted from a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.

In a briefing held at the Government House in Makurdi, Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari presented the freed victims to Governor Hyacinth Alia, confirming that the rescue was the result of a high-level coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.

Rescue Operations and Arrests

The Commissioner detailed a two-stage recovery process. While five passengers were released shortly after the abduction, the remaining 13 were rescued unharmed on Sunday morning.

"The deployment of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) tactical team, supported by the state government, allowed us to mount significant pressure on the bandits, ensuring the safe return of all victims," Emenari stated.

The Police Command also confirmed that eight suspects are currently in custody. Preliminary investigations and victim identifications suggest that seven of these individuals are militia herdsmen directly linked to the kidnapping.

Government Response and Victim Welfare

Governor Hyacinth Alia, while welcoming the victims, expressed deep concern over the rising trend of kidnappings in the region but commended the security forces for their swift action.

Key Highlights of the Governor’s Address:

Academic Support: Among the rescued were eight candidates traveling to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations. The Governor appealed to JAMB to schedule a makeup date for these students to ensure their educational progress is not derailed by the trauma.

Medical Care: The Commissioner for Health and Human Services has been directed to provide comprehensive medical evaluations and psychological support for all rescued individuals.

Security Strategy: Governor Alia reiterated a "zero-tolerance" policy toward criminality and pledged continued state support for the ongoing special clearance operations aimed at dislodging criminal elements from forest hideouts.

Ongoing Security Measures

Security forces have commenced intensified sweeps across the state to neutralize bandit camps. The state government and police leadership have urged residents to remain vigilant and provide "actionable intelligence" to assist in maintaining long-term peace and stability in Benue State.