Benue Kidnap: 13 Rescued, Including Police Recruits

Nigerian security forces have rescued the remaining 13 passengers abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State last Wednesday.

The victims regained freedom during a search-and-rescue operation in the early hours of Sunday inside a forest at Okete Ward, Ohimini Local Government Area.

NaijaChoice News gathered that the passengers were travelling in a Benue Links commercial bus when gunmen struck at Ikobi in Otukpo.

Those rescued are Hycent Oko (56), Elaiguli Joshua (25), Orili Raphael (29), Sunday Augustine (18), Emmanuel Elaicha (21), Gbile Nguyor Daniel (18), Ukacha Tersoo (18), Nyikwagh Aoridakator (22), Iornav Ngukuhan (18), Nyikwagh Benjamin (18), Buker Agatha (19), Paul Wende (29) and Akor Jessica (19).

Initial social media reports claimed some victims were JAMB candidates heading for examinations, but the Benue State Police Command and JAMB have since clarified they were participants in an ongoing police recruitment exercise, not UTME candidates.

All 13 were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital in Otukpo, where doctors are treating them for injuries sustained in captivity.

Benue Links Nigeria Limited confirmed the driver undertook the night trip without authorisation and is now in police custody.

The command also arrested seven suspects linked to the kidnapping during the joint operation.

The development brings relief to families and underscores ongoing efforts to secure major highways in the North-Central region amid persistent kidnapping threats.