- Police arrested seven suspects over Benue highway abduction
- All kidnapped passengers rescued through joint security operation
- Governor Alia calls for support for victims and affected candidates
The Nigeria Police Force in Benue State has arrested seven suspected militia herdsmen over last Wednesday’s abduction of passengers along the Makurdi Otukpo highway.
The victims, who were travelling in an 18 seater Benue Links bus, have all regained their freedom following a coordinated rescue operation. Some of the passengers were initially reported to be candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board heading to Otukpo for their examinations.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi while presenting the rescued passengers, the State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said the victims were freed through a joint effort involving multiple security agencies.
He explained that five passengers were earlier 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 said.
The police chief commended the governor and the Inspector General of Police for their support, noting that the deployment of a tactical team increased pressure on the kidnappers.
“That is why we were able to mount pressure on the bandits to ensure the victims’ safe return,” he added.
Emenari disclosed that eight suspects were currently in custody, including seven directly linked to the crime.
“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 added that special operations had been launched across the state to flush out criminal elements from forest hideouts.
Receiving the victims, Governor Alia expressed concern over rising kidnappings but welcomed their safe return.
“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,” he said.
He urged authorities to support the victims and called for assistance to affected candidates.
