Gunmen Hijack 14 Passengers In Benue As Police Rescue 5

At least 14 passengers traveling from Enugu State to Abuja have been abducted by suspected bandits in Ohimini local government area of Benue State.

Our correspondent gathered that the commercial bus was ambushed and passengers whisked away into the bush, leaving the bus empty on the road.

Confirming the incident in a statement issued by the Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, the Police said its operatives have rescued five victims including a four-year old boy.

The statement said nine victims remained in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.

Aondongu explained that following the incident, operatives of the Command commenced a coordinated rescue operation in the early hours of Friday, “The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers”

The police said one of the five rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the rescue operation and was immediately rushed to a medical facility in Otukpo, where he is currently receiving medical attention.

“Operatives of the Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, are intensifying efforts to safely rescue the remaining nine victims. The operation is being conducted with utmost caution, with the lives and safety of the victims as the primary objective,” the statement read.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, acknowledged the concerns of the families of the affected persons and the public and assured them that concerted efforts were being made to secure the safe rescue of those still in captivity.