By editor
The Police Command in Benue State has given a detailed account on how passengers of the Benue Links Transport Company kidnapped by Bandits were rescued.
The passengers were travelling on April 3rd from Makurdi, the Benue capital to Oturkpo when a gang of robbers shot at the vehicle forcing the driver to stop.
According to a statement issued by the command on Saturday,the driver and a passenger sustained gunshot injuries while the rest of the passengers were whisked into the forest.
‘On 3/4/2025 at about 2030hrs 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. The injured were conveyed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a doctor.
“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.
“Unfortunately, they 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 Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP. Steve H. Yabanet FCID, psc (+) commiserates with families of the three passengers that lost their lives in this dastardly incident and pledge his commitment to bring perpetuators to book. He enjoins the good people of Otukpo to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the police as many of these bandits received gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.
“Further development will be communicated in due course pls.” The statement added.
