Police arrest 7 over Benue bus abduction as police launch rescue operation in Otukpo
Security operatives in Benue State have arrested seven suspects linked to the kidnapping of passengers along Otukpo Local Government Area, following a coordinated intelligence-driven operation.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, confirmed the arrests in a Friday statement, noting that gunmen had attacked a Benue Links commercial bus on Wednesday, robbed passengers, and abducted several victims into the bush.
Police said 14 persons were taken during the attack, although one passenger managed to escape, while other reports placed the number higher.
“The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough following the kidnapping incident that occurred on 15th April, 2026 in Otukpo,” the statement said. It added that “further intelligence gathered in the course of the operation led to the arrest of seven (7) suspects, who are currently in police custody while investigation is ongoing.”
Security forces also launched a search-and-rescue operation in Amla Forest, with authorities confirming that “the operation has led to the successful rescue of some of the victims, who are currently receiving medical attention.”
The Command dismissed claims that the victims were UTME candidates, stating, “the Command wishes to clarify misinformation… as the victims were not confirmed to be part of any organised UTME-bound student convoy but passengers in a Makurdi-bound bus.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, assured residents that “the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, is intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims and ensure the full restoration of peace and security in the affected area.” Authorities also revealed that two victims escaped during the incident, while the bus driver is under interrogation for allegedly violating company travel procedures.