Benue Police Rescue 19 Kidnapped Travellers

Nineteen travellers abducted along the Ohimini–Otukpo Road in Benue State have been successfully rescued following a swift response by the Benue State Police Command.

The Benue kidnapping rescue followed an attack that reportedly occurred in the early hours of December 22 in Ohimini Local Government Area.

Security sources disclosed that gunmen mounted a roadblock near Mechanic Village along the Ohimini–Otukpo route, where they intercepted two commercial vehicles and forced passengers into a nearby forest.

One of the vehicles was a Toyota Hiace bus conveying nine passengers from Oju to Ibadan. The incident was reported at approximately 2:00 a.m.

A second vehicle, a Toyota Hummer bus operated by Plateau Riders Company, was also ambushed. The bus was traveling from Jos, Plateau State, to Bayelsa State and was driven by Igoche John. Eleven passengers were on board at the time of the attack.

Following a distress call, police authorities immediately deployed tactical units and patrol teams to the area.

Officers advanced toward the location and conducted an extensive search of the surrounding bushes and forest paths.

According to police sources, the heavy security presence forced the attackers to abandon most of their captives and flee the area.

As a result of the operation, 19 abducted passengers were rescued alive without the payment of any ransom.

After undergoing initial screening and interrogation, the rescued individuals were cleared and allowed to continue their journeys.

However, one passenger, identified as Boniface Ndukwe from Jos, Plateau State, is still believed to be in the custody of the abductors.

Police authorities confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and secure the safe release of the remaining victim.