The Benue State Police Command has rescued five victims abducted from a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.
A Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the Command, DSP Peter Orchia, says in a statement that the incident occurred on Wednesday night, August 13, when suspected kidnappers intercepted the bus and took passengers hostage.
According to the statement, Police operatives launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday morning, leading to a gun battle with the kidnappers and the rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy.
However, nine other victims are still being held by the abductors as security operatives intensify efforts to secure their release.
One of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was immediately taken to a medical facility in Otukpo, where he is receiving treatment.
The Police Command said its operatives, working with sister security agencies, were carefully conducting the ongoing operation to rescue the remaining victims without endangering their lives.
DSP Orchia quoted the Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, as expressing concern over the incident and assuring the victims’ families and the public that security agencies were making concerted efforts to secure the safe release of those still in captivity.
He urged residents of the affected communities and surrounding areas to remain calm and vigilant, and to provide the Police with credible information that could assist the rescue operation.
The Command said it would continue to provide updates as the operation progresses.
