Benue State Police Command has launched a manhunt for suspected kidnappers following the abduction of passengers from a commercial vehicle in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
Gunmen ambushed a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-143BN along the Eke axis around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. They reportedly robbed the passengers and forced several of them into the surrounding bush.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident in a statement to Channels Television on Monday. He revealed that one of the abducted passengers, Paul Terns, was rescued during a joint security operation.
“We are investigating a suspected case of kidnapping. A Hummer bus was found by the roadside in Inugbokolo. Upon receiving the report, police tactical teams, military personnel, and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards arrived at the scene, combed the bush, and rescued one Paul Terns, who escaped from the kidnappers,” Edet said.
He added that additional reinforcements had been deployed to locate the remaining victims.
The attack occurred amidst fresh appeals for peace in Benue State, following a surge in violence and killings that have triggered protests and condemnation nationwide.
President Bola Tinubu, under growing pressure, visited the state last Wednesday. He met with victims of the unrest and inaugurated a peace committee, which has since begun talks with traditional rulers to calm tensions in the region.