Police rescue 19 abducted passengers in Benue

Police rescue 19 abducted passengers in Benue

By: Zagazola Makama

The Benue Police has rescued 19 passengers abducted by suspected armed bandits along the Ohimini–Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred in the early hours of Dec. 22, when gunmen blocked two commercial vehicles at Mechanic Village, along the Ohimini–Otukpo axis, and abducted the occupants into the bush.

The sources said that at about 2:00 a.m., following reports that a Toyota Hiace bus was attacked while travelling from Oju to Ibadan with nine passengers on board.

Also attacked was a Toyota Hummer bus with belonging to Plateau Ridders Company, driven by one Igoche John of Jos, Plateau State, en route from Jos to Bayelsa State with 11 passengers.

Upon receiving the report, the Police swiftly mobilised patrol teams and other tactical units within the axis and swiftly moved to the scene, where surrounding bushes were combed.

The heavy presence of police operatives forced the bandits to abandon the victims and flee, leading to the rescue of 19 passengers unhurt and without payment of ransom.

The rescued victims were subsequently debriefed and allowed to continue their journeys. However, one passenger, identified as Boniface Ndukwe of Jos, Plateau State, is still believed to be in captivity.

Police said efforts were ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and secure the rescue of the remaining victim.

Police rescue 19 abducted passengers in Benue