The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with the abduction of passengers along the Otukpo axis of the state.
The incident, which occurred on April 15, involved travelers heading towards Makurdi. According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, the arrests were made during a coordinated security operation carried out in collaboration with other agencies.
Udeme disclosed that the operation, which focused on Amla Forest and surrounding areas, also led to the rescue of some of the victims.
She, however, did not specify the number of those freed but confirmed they are currently receiving medical attention.
Further intelligence gathering during the mission resulted in the apprehension of seven suspects, who are now in police custody as investigations continue.
The police also addressed circulating reports suggesting that the abducted victims were students en route to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
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The command clarified that this claim is false, stating that the victims were ordinary passengers traveling in a commercial bus to Makurdi, not part of any organized student convoy.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, has reassured residents of ongoing efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims.
He emphasized that the command is working closely with other security agencies to intensify search-and-rescue operations.
Residents have also been urged to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could assist in ongoing investigations and operations.
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