Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia meets the rescued victims at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has commended security agencies for the successful rescue of passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road, reiterating his administration’s resolve to confront insecurity across the state.
Governor Alia gave the commendation on Sunday, April 19, 2026, while receiving the rescued victims at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, shortly after their release from captivity.
Reacting to the development, the governor praised the Commissioner of Police and other security operatives for their “efforts and determination” that led to the safe return of the victims.
He revealed that the passengers were kidnapped on April 15 at about 8 p.m. along the Taraku–Otukpo axis, noting that security personnel had worked relentlessly to secure their freedom.
“I congratulate the Commissioner of Police and the joint task force for these tremendous efforts,” the governor stated, adding that recent operations have also led to successful rescues in Katsina-Ala, Utonkon and other troubled communities.
Providing further details, Alia explained that 18 passengers were in the vehicle when the incident occurred, with 15 abducted by the gunmen. One of the victims escaped on the day of the attack, another fled the following morning, while the remaining 13 were eventually rescued through coordinated security operations supported by local communities.
Among those rescued, the governor disclosed, were eight students travelling to write the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.
He appealed to JAMB authorities to make special arrangements for the affected candidates, assuring them of government support to ensure they do not lose the opportunity.
Governor Alia also disclosed that seven suspected kidnappers have been arrested and are currently in police custody, describing them as armed bandits.
While commending the synergy between state and federal security agencies, the governor stressed that his administration would not tolerate threats to peace and security in Benue State.
“We will flush out all criminal elements and their hideouts. Benue has been a place of peace, and we cannot accommodate anything contrary,” he declared.
The governor further directed the State Ministry of Health to provide immediate medical care for the rescued victims at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital. He also urged residents and community leaders to continue supporting security agencies by sharing timely and credible information.
Earlier, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, confirmed that all the abducted passengers had regained their freedom following coordinated rescue operations.
He explained that the operation involved a joint effort by the police, military, Department of State Services, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, local vigilantes and other stakeholders, carried out under the directive of the Inspector General of Police.
According to him, the last batch of 13 victims was rescued in the early hours of Sunday after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers inside the forest.
The police commissioner added that seven suspects linked to the abduction have been identified and are currently in custody, while investigations are ongoing to arrest other accomplices.
He further disclosed that security agencies have intensified clearance operations in known flashpoints, including the Amla Forest and other areas across the state, aimed at dismantling criminal networks and securing communities, particularly as the farming season approaches.
CP Ifeanyi assured residents that security agencies remain on top of the situation, emphasizing that sustained joint operations would continue to rid the state of banditry and related criminal activities.
