Five rescued as gunmen abduct 14 Benue travellers

Gunmen ambushed a commercial bus on the Otukpo–Adoka road in Benue State, Nigeria, abducting 14 passengers traveling from Enugu State to Abuja. The incident occurred Thursday night.

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Some gunmen ambushed an 18-seater bus heading to Abuja between Omutele and Ankpechi along Otukpo–Adola road on Thursday night. All the passengers in the vehicle were whisked away by the gunmen.

Local resident Ochai described the ambush, stating that the gunmen forced all passengers from the 18-seater bus into captivity. The Benue State Police Command confirmed the abduction, with spokesperson Peter Aondongu reporting that 14 individuals were taken.

Following the incident, police operatives initiated a coordinated rescue operation early Friday morning. This operation involved an exchange of gunfire and resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy. However, nine other passengers remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.

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Following the incident, operatives of the Command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early Friday morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.

One of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury and is receiving medical attention in Otukpo. The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are intensifying efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining nine victims. The Commissioner of Police assured families and the public of their commitment to the victims' safe return, emphasizing that their lives and safety are the primary objective.

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The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, assured the families and the general public of the safe rescue of the remaining kidnap victims.