Relief has come for families of abducted passengers in Benue State, as security operatives have successfully freed the remaining 13 victims taken during a midweek attack.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the development early Sunday, noting that the rescued individuals are expected to arrive in Makurdi shortly. He added that a press briefing will follow to provide further details.
The victims were among passengers abducted on Wednesday night when gunmen intercepted a Benue Links bus in Otukpo. Several of those on board were reportedly young students travelling to sit for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Prior to this latest rescue, five victims had already regained their freedom, leaving 13 still in captivity until the successful operation.
However, the incident sparked controversy after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) denied that any of its candidates were among those abducted. This claim was challenged by a relative of one of the rescued passengers, who described the statement as “disturbing and dismissive,” insisting that several victims were indeed en route to write their exams.
The successful rescue has brought significant relief to affected families, many of whom had been anxiously awaiting positive news.
[Benuevibes]
