The Benue State Police Command has rescued 14 passengers who were abducted by armed men in an attack on a commercial bus operated by Benue Links Nigeria Limited.
The daring rescue operation took place on Friday, a day after the deadly ambush along the Otukpo-Makurdi route in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The police spokesperson, Catherine Anene, confirmed the development in a statement issued late Friday night, revealing that the victims were rescued following a gun battle between police operatives and the kidnappers.
“On 4/4/2025 at about 1500hrs, they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel.
The superior firepower of the police subdued them and they took to their heels, abandoning their captives,” Anene said.
She added that two of the victims had already sustained machete wounds before the rescue operation.
All 14 rescued passengers were taken to a nearby hospital where one of them was confirmed dead, while the others are currently receiving treatment.
The rescue follows a brutal attack on Thursday evening, April 3, when gunmen ambushed an 18-seater Benue Links bus bearing registration number PP512.
The bus, which was en route from Makurdi to Otukpo, came under attack near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area.
In a statement issued by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Daniel, the management of Benue Links confirmed that the bus driver, Mr. Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were fatally shot by the attackers. Thirteen passengers were reportedly abducted during the incident
Daniel noted that three passengers managed to escape the ambush, while another had disembarked earlier at Taraku town before the vehicle was attacked.
“Benue Links Nigeria Limited extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stands in solidarity with those whose loved ones remain in captivity,” the statement read.
“We appreciate the swift response of the law enforcement agencies and express confidence in their ongoing efforts to ensure the safe return of those taken.”
The attack is the latest in a series of violent incidents plaguing the North Central state, underscoring the rising security challenges along Nigeria’s highways.
The police have assured the public of continued efforts to track down the fleeing suspects and restore safety in the area.
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