By TYAV SAM TYAV, Makurdi –
The Benue State Police Command has revealed that the abducted passengers of Benue Links company who were kidnapped at Burnt Bricks Otukpo have regained their freedom.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Benue State Command, Sewuese Catherine Anene revealed that a Toyota Hiace bus of Benue Links transport company was conveying passengers from Makurdi to Otukpo, on reaching Otukpo Burnt Bricks area, a gang of armed kidnappers shot sporadically at the driver and a passenger at the front seat, causing the driver to stop on the high way.
Upon receipt of this information, the police in collaboration with members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard swiftly moved to the scene and found the driver and one passenger, who sustained gunshot injuries in the vehicle while others were whisked away by the kidnappers.
According to the statement, the injured were conveyed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a doctor.
The PPRO noted that “the team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately. On 4/4/2025 at about 1500hrs they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel. The superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels abandoning their captives.”
She lamented that by the time they got the victims, the kidnappers had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue.
“Fourteen (14) victims were rescued and taken to the hospital where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment.”
The Command’s spokesperson quoted the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Steve Yabanet as commiserating with families of the three passengers that lost their lives in the dastardly incident even as he pledged his commitment to bring perpetrators to book.
The Police Commissioner enjoined the good people of Otukpo to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the police as many of the bandits received gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.
