Thirteen passengers abducted from a Benue Links vehicle at Eke, in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, have been rescued through a joint operation led by the police in collaboration with local vigilantes.
Confirming the development on Sunday, the Chairman of Okpokwu LGA, Adah Inalegwu, told Channels Television that the rescue operation involved intense pressure on the kidnappers by the security team combing the forests. He revealed that two victims were freed on Saturday, while the remaining eleven were later abandoned by the abductors at Oando village around 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
“The joint operations led by the police and members of vigilantes in that area mounted pressure, combing the forest,” Inalegwu said.
He added that local youths, including those from neighbouring Kogi State, were enlisted to intensify the search, resulting in the victims’ release.
According to Inalegwu, the success of the operation was largely due to logistics support from Governor Hyacinth Alia, enhanced surveillance, and tracking efforts by security operatives. The rescued passengers are currently being profiled before being reunited with their families.
The victims had been abducted when gunmen ambushed a Benue Links Hummer bus with registration number 14B-143BN along the Eke axis, robbing occupants and taking several passengers into the bush.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has condemned the killing of two Kano State indigenes by criminals in Agan, a settlement in Makurdi.
Describing the incident as “barbaric and unacceptable,” the governor vowed that the perpetrators would be apprehended and prosecuted.
“To this end, already, five criminals have been swiftly apprehended in Makurdi by the police command in the state over this incident, following the Governor’s earlier directives to the Commissioner of Police and other relevant security operatives to ensure that criminals who committed the heinous crime are arrested,” said Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
Expressing deep sorrow over the killings, Governor Alia stated, “Benue people are known for their hospitality and peaceful disposition. We cannot allow some criminal elements to tarnish our image and create a contrary image for our people. These criminals MUST be fished out immediately and made to face the full wrath of the law.”
