Gunmen Kidnap Passengers in Benue, Police Launch Rescue Operation
By IDNN Security Desk
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers struck along the Eke axis of Okpokwu Local Government Area in Benue State on Sunday evening, intercepting a commercial bus and abducting an unspecified number of passengers. The brazen attack has triggered a major security response in the region.
Eyewitness accounts reveal the incident occurred around 6:30 PM when armed men halted the vehicle, believed to belong to Benue State Transport Company, popularly known as Benue Links. After robbing the occupants, the attackers forcefully whisked them away into the surrounding bushland.
Although the management of Benue Links has yet to confirm the incident, the Benue State Police Command has acknowledged the attack. Police spokesperson, SP Udeme Edet, confirmed on Monday that a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-43BN was ambushed in Ugbokolo, within the same LGA.
“On receipt of the information, police tactical teams, military personnel, and the Benue State Community Protection Guard arrived at the scene,” Edet said in an official statement.
During the initial combing of the surrounding forests, security operatives rescued one of the victims, identified as Paul Terna, who managed to escape the kidnappers. The search for the remaining passengers continues with additional reinforcements deployed.
As of Monday evening, there has been no confirmed number of abducted individuals nor claims of responsibility. However, local residents expressed growing concerns over repeated attacks on the Okpokwu-Ugbokolo corridor, once considered relatively safe.
