No fewer than 14 passengers travelling from Enugu State to Abuja were reportedly abducted by suspected bandits along the Ankpechi-Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred on Thursday night when the assailants reportedly ambushed a commercial bus conveying the passengers and forced them into the bush before leaving the vehicle on the road.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack on Friday, saying five of the victims, including a four-year-old boy, had been rescued.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, said security operatives launched a coordinated operation shortly after the incident to locate and rescue the passengers.
According to him, the operation led to a gun battle with the suspected kidnappers, during which five victims were successfully freed.
Aondongu disclosed that one of the rescued passengers sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a hospital in Otukpo for treatment.
He said nine other passengers were still being held by the kidnappers, adding that security agencies had intensified efforts to secure their safe release.
The police spokesperson appealed to residents and members of the public to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist the ongoing rescue operation.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, expressed concern over the incident and assured the victims’ families that security operatives were working to bring the remaining passengers home safely.