Gunmen abduct 14 passengers in Benue, five rescued

Gunmen ambushed a commercial bus traveling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Otukpo–Adoka road in Benue State on Thursday night, abducting 14 passengers. The incident occurred in the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area.

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

Following the abduction, the Benue State Police Command initiated a coordinated rescue operation early Friday morning. The operation involved an exchange of gunfire between security operatives and the suspected kidnappers. Police spokesperson DSP Peter Aondongu confirmed that five victims were successfully rescued, including a four-year-old boy. One rescued victim sustained a gunshot injury and received medical treatment.

Nine passengers remain in the custody of the kidnappers. The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, have intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims. The Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, assured families that efforts would continue until all passengers are rescued and urged residents to provide credible information to aid the operation.

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The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident involving a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of 13 August 2026. Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (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.

This incident highlights growing security concerns in the Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. The police are working cautiously, prioritizing the safety of the abducted passengers.

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The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.