Police rescue 5 abducted travellers in Benue

On Friday, police in Benue State successfully rescued five travellers who had been abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ankpechi–Omutele road in Ohimini Local Government Area. The incident occurred on Thursday night when the victims were en route from Enugu State to Abuja. The state's Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, announced the rescue during a coordinated operation that began early Friday.

DSP Aondongu stated that the five rescued victims included a four-year-old boy and that nine others remained in the hands of the kidnappers. Efforts were ongoing to safely rescue the remaining individuals. One of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.

Police collaboration with other security agencies intensified the rescue efforts, prioritizing the safety of the remaining victims. State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, assured the affected families and the public that all necessary measures were being taken to secure the safe release of those still held captive. He urged residents near the affected area to remain calm, vigilant, and provide any credible information that could aid the ongoing rescue operation, emphasizing that further updates would be provided as the situation evolved.