Gunmen have abducted 14 passengers travelling along the Otukpo–Adoka road in Benue State, with police confirming that five victims have been rescued.
The incident happened on Thursday night when an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja was ambushed along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area.
A resident, Ochai said the gunmen forced all the passengers into the surrounding forest.
Ochai said, “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.”
Confirming the incident, Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, said security operatives launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday.
He said the operation involved an exchange of gunfire with the kidnappers and led to the rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remained in captivity.
Aondongu said one rescued victim suffered a gunshot wound during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo.
He added that police and other security agencies had intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victims, while prioritising their safety.
The state Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, assured the victims’ families and the public that the operation would continue until all the passengers were rescued.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and provide credible information to security agencies.
The incident comes amid growing insecurity concerns in Otukpo and Ohimini, where residents have reported several killings and kidnappings in recent weeks.
