Gunmen Attack Benue Links Bus, Police Rescue Five Passengers as 13 Remain in Captivity
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MAKURDI, April 17, 2026 (Naija247news) – The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of five passengers abducted during an armed attack on a commercial bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road, as security operatives intensify efforts to secure the release of 13 others still in captivity. The attack occurred on Wednesday night when suspected gunmen intercepted a Benue Links vehicle en route to Otukpo, carrying a total of 18 passengers, including the driver. Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari , disclosed in Makurdi that while three passengers were not taken by the attackers and two others managed to escape, 13 individuals were forcibly abducted and remain in a “danger zone.” “For now, we cannot say exactly what happened because the driver picked up some passengers along the road,” Emenari said, suggesting that ongoing investigations are still piecing together the sequence of events. Authorities also said it remains unclear whether any of the victims were candidates participating in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board , although there are suspicions that one or two of the abducted passengers may have been affected. “The most important thing now is to rescue the passengers, regardless of who they are. The 13 victims are still in a danger zone,” the police commissioner added. Security forces have since launched coordinated rescue operations across affected areas, particularly around Otukpo, with tactical teams deployed to track the attackers and locate the remaining victims. “We are on top of the situation. Our teams are in Otukpo, and we will not relent until the last victim is rescued. We have put in motion strategies to flush out criminals from the bush,” Emenari assured. The Makurdi–Otukpo corridor has increasingly become a hotspot for criminal activity, including kidnappings and armed attacks on commuters, reflecting broader security challenges in parts of Benue State. Police authorities also noted that the current farming season often coincides with heightened insecurity in rural communities, particularly due to recurring farmer-herder tensions, though officials insist that proactive measures are being implemented to prevent escalation. The victims were reportedly traveling to Otukpo, with some believed to be heading for the nationwide UTME examinations, when the attack disrupted their journey. Security agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement by providing useful information that could aid ongoing rescue efforts. The post Gunmen Attack Benue Links Bus, Police Rescue Five Passengers as 13 Remain in Captivity appeared first on Naija247news .
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https://naija247news.com/gunmen-attack-benue-links-bus-police-rescue-five-passengers-as-13-remain-in-captivity/ (Naija247News)Duplicate Detection
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