The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, on Friday confirmed that five passengers abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo road have been rescued.
The victims were among travellers attacked on Wednesday night while on board a Benue Links bus.
Speaking with journalists in Makurdi, Emenari disclosed that 13 other victims remain in captivity.
He explained that 18 passengers, including the driver, were in the vehicle at the time of the attack.
According to him, three passengers were not taken by the abductors, while two managed to escape, leaving 13 still held.
“For now, we cannot say this is what happened because the Benue Links bus driver picked those passengers up along the road.
“So, the five of them that were rescued so far, none of them are JAMB candidates. And from our questions, too, when we were debriefing the people that were rescued, there is no indication that they are JAMB candidates. But we suspect that one or two of them might be JAMB candidates
“The most important thing now is for us to rescue the passengers, no matter who they are. The 13 victims are still in a danger zone,” the CP said.
Emenari assured that security operatives are intensifying efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims.
“We are on top of the situation. Our rescue teams are in Otukpo, and we are not going to leave until the last victim is rescued.
“We have put in motion everything that is needed to flush out every criminal in that bush. However, our plans are in our chest, but surely we will get them,” he added.
The CP reiterated the command’s determination to rid the state of criminal elements, noting that operations are ongoing across Benue.
“Right now, we are doing clearing operations across the state, including Apa and Logo LGAs.
“This is April, the beginning of the farming season, where you normally have volume of farmers and herders crises. So, they have been planning to strike, but we have contained them,” he stated.
The passengers were reportedly travelling to Otukpo, with some believed to be heading for the ongoing UTME organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Police had earlier reported that 14 passengers were abducted in the incident.
