Benue Police Rescue 13 Kidnapped Travellers After Deadly Bus Attack
The Benue State Police Command has successfully rescued 13 passengers who were kidnapped from a Benue Links bus ambushed by gunmen near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area on Thursday evening.
The attack tragically claimed the lives of the bus driver and one passenger, who both sustained gunshot wounds and later died in the hospital.
According to SP Sewuese Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer, the incident occurred on April 3 when the passenger bus was intercepted by armed attackers. After killing two passengers, the assailants abducted 14 others and led them into the nearby forest.
A joint operation between the police and the State Civil Protection Guard was launched immediately. SP Anene stated that the rescue team discovered the bus with the injured victims still inside. Despite being rushed to the hospital, both were confirmed dead by doctors.
On April 4, around 3:00 p.m., security forces located the kidnappers in the forest and engaged them in a gun battle. Overpowered by the superior firepower, the criminals fled, leaving the captives behind.
During the rescue, it was discovered that two of the kidnapped passengers had been macheted by the abductors. Although all 14 hostages were brought out of the forest, one later died from injuries, while the remaining 13 survivors are receiving medical care.
The Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, extended condolences to the victims’ families and reassured the public that the culprits would be brought to justice. He also urged residents of Otukpo and neighboring areas to report any individuals with gunshot wounds, noting that some of the attackers were injured during the firefight.
CREDIT: DAILY POST