Gunmen Abduct 14 Passengers in Benue, Five Rescued

Gunmen have abducted 14 passengers travelling in a Benue Links commercial bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road in Benue State, with security operatives rescuing five victims as search efforts continue for the remaining captives.

The attack occurred on Wednesday night when the assailants intercepted the bus carrying about 18 passengers near Otukpo. Police said two passengers and the driver escaped during the attack, while 14 others were taken into the surrounding forest.

Benue State Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari said the rescued victims had been debriefed and were receiving medical attention, adding that intensive operations were underway to locate the remaining 13 people still in captivity. He noted that the immediate priority was rescuing every victim, regardless of whether they were students or other travellers.

The police have deployed tactical teams to forests around Otukpo and intensified clearance operations across vulnerable communities in the state. Authorities also confirmed that the Benue Links driver allegedly violated the company’s policy against night travel by picking up passengers after official operating hours.

Security agencies have urged residents to remain calm and continue providing credible information that could assist ongoing rescue efforts.