The 13 passengers who had been kidnapped from a Benue Links Hummer bus have been successfully rescued by security forces in Benue State.
The passengers were abducted after gunmen attacked their bus, robbed them, and forced several individuals into a nearby bush about a week ago.
The rescue operation was a collaborative effort involving the police and local vigilantes. Adah Inalegwu, the local government chairman, confirmed the rescue.
Two passengers were freed on Saturday due to continuous pressure from the joint operation, which included an extensive search of the forest.
The remaining eleven victims were abandoned by their captors at Oando village on Sunday afternoon, a result of intensified efforts by youths recruited from neighboring Kogi State.
According to the chairman, Governor Alia’s support with logistics and enhanced security surveillance and tracking were crucial to the successful rescue. The rescued individuals are currently undergoing profiling before being reunited with their families.
In a separate incident, Governor Hyacinth Alia strongly condemned the brutal killing of two Kano indigenes by criminals in the Agan settlement of Benue State. He instructed security operatives to apprehend those responsible, and five suspects have already been arrested in Makurdi in connection with the crime.
The Governor reiterated that the people of Benue are known for their hospitality and peaceful nature, and he will not allow criminal elements to damage the state’s reputation.
