Benue police rescue 13 more passengers abducted on Otukpo-Adoka road

Benue State Police have successfully rescued 13 additional passengers who were abducted by suspected armed herdsmen on the Otukpo-Adoka Road. The victims were traveling from Enugu to Abuja when their 18-seater bus was ambushed on August 14, 2026. This latest rescue brings the total number of freed passengers to 18, as five individuals were initially rescued shortly after the incident.

The successful operation followed five days of intensive search and rescue efforts by police operatives, working in close collaboration with local security personnel. Acting on credible intelligence, the operatives conducted a night operation, locating and rescuing the victims at approximately 2 a.m. on August 20 in the Amla-Cho Forest, Otukpo Local Government Area.

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Although the suspects fled the scene under the cover of darkness, the victims were successfully rescued unhurt.

During the rescue, the suspects fled the scene under the cover of darkness, but the passengers were recovered unharmed. Earlier, on August 16, police operatives engaged the kidnappers in a fierce gun battle, resulting in the neutralization of one suspect and the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. The rescued passengers received medical attention before being transported to their destinations.

Police Commissioner Cletus Nwadiogbu commended the personnel for their bravery and resilience, assuring residents that operations against criminal elements would continue. The command also emphasized the importance of accurate passenger manifests for transport operators, highlighting their critical role in facilitating timely identification and rescue during emergencies.

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courage, resilience and sustained efforts