The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with the April 15 abduction of passengers along the Otukpo axis, while also confirming the rescue of some victims during a coordinated security operation in parts of the state.
The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Makurdi, explaining that the operation was carried out jointly with other security agencies as part of intensified efforts to curb kidnapping in the area.
According to her, the joint task force intensified its search-and-rescue mission around Amla Forest and neighbouring communities, where intelligence suggested the abductors were hiding.
She said the sustained operation led to the rescue of some of the abducted passengers, who are currently receiving medical attention, although she did not disclose the exact number freed.
Udeme added that further intelligence gathered during the mission led to the arrest of seven suspects believed to be connected to the kidnapping incident.
She noted that the suspects are currently in custody as investigations continue.
The police also refuted reports suggesting that the victims were students travelling for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), describing the claim as misleading.
She clarified that the victims were passengers aboard a Makurdi-bound commercial bus and not part of any organised examination convoy.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, according to the statement, assured residents that operations were ongoing to rescue the remaining victims still in captivity and dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.
He also urged members of the public to support security agencies with credible and timely information that could assist ongoing operations and improve security across the state.
