Relief has swept through parts of Benue State following the successful rescue of 13 passengers who were abducted along the troubled Makurdi–Otukpo road.
The victims were reportedly released in the early hours of Sunday after what insiders described as a coordinated security operation, though official details of how the rescue was carried out were still unavailable at press time.
The incident had earlier sparked anxiety among residents and travellers using the Otukpo corridor, a route that has increasingly come under threat from criminal elements.
Local sources confirmed the victims’ safe return, hailing the development as a significant success amid persistent security challenges in the area.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had yet to provide clarity on whether arrests were made or if any ransom exchange occurred during the process.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful, as calls and inquiries were not responded to.
The abduction had raised fresh concerns over safety along the highway, prompting renewed calls for stronger security presence and proactive measures to curb criminal activities.
While the rescue has brought momentary relief, residents insist that sustained action is needed to prevent a recurrence of such incidents on the route.
