Benue: Police rescue kidnapped travellers after gun battle with abductors

The Benue State Police Command has successfully rescued eight passengers who were kidnapped along the Ankpenchi-Ogobia route in Ohimini Local Government Area. During a press conference, State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu provided updates on the incident that occurred on Sunday night. The eight victims were among 13 passengers abducted from a commercial bus traveling from Abakaliki in Ebonyi State to Abuja.

The police had been conducting a search and rescue operation since September 14 after receiving credible intelligence leading them to a suspected kidnapper hideout in Amla forest, near Otukpo. On Friday morning, police teams raided the location, engaging in a fierce gun battle with the kidnappers, ultimately rescuing eight of the hostages.

Regrettably, one victim succumbed to gunshot wounds sustained during the initial attack, while the ninth victim died after being held captive by the kidnappers for ransom negotiations. Nwadiogbu emphasized the importance of avoiding night travel, particularly on routes known to be susceptible to such attacks, and advised travelers to take necessary precautions on long-distance journeys.

The incident marks the second major kidnapping case involving travelers on this route in recent weeks, and the police are intensifying their efforts to apprehend the suspects involved.