Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has commended security agencies for rescuing passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity in the state.
The governor made this known on Sunday, April 19, 2026, when he received the freed victims at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House in Makurdi shortly after their release.
Alia praised the Commissioner of Police and other security operatives for what he described as their “efforts and determination” in securing the victims’ safe return.
He disclosed that the abduction occurred 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 said, adding that similar rescue missions had been carried out in areas such as Katsina-Ala and Utonkon.
Providing details of the incident, Alia said 18 passengers were onboard the vehicle, out of which 15 were abducted. He explained that one victim escaped on the same day, another the following morning, while the remaining 13 were later rescued through joint efforts of security operatives and local residents.
He added that eight of the rescued victims were students on their way to sit for the examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The governor appealed to JAMB to make special arrangements for the affected candidates to sit for their examinations, assuring them of government support.
Alia further disclosed that seven suspected kidnappers, believed to be armed bandits, have been arrested and are currently in police custody.
While commending the synergy between state and federal security agencies, the governor stressed that his administration would not tolerate threats to peace in the 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 stated.
He also directed the State Ministry of Health to ensure that the rescued victims receive urgent medical attention at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, while urging residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.
Earlier, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, confirmed that all abducted passengers had regained their freedom following coordinated rescue operations.
According to him, the mission involved a joint effort by the police, military, Department of State Services, Civil Defence, local vigilante groups, and other stakeholders, acting on the directive of the Inspector General of Police.
He stated that the final group of 13 victims was rescued in the early hours of Sunday after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers in the forest.
The commissioner added that seven suspects linked to the crime have been identified and detained, while investigations are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices.
He also revealed that security forces have intensified clearance operations in identified hotspots, including the Amla Forest and surrounding areas, to dismantle criminal hideouts and improve safety, especially as the farming season approaches.
Ifeanyi reassured residents that security agencies remain committed to ongoing joint operations aimed at eliminating banditry and related crimes across the state.
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