Makurdi, Nigeria, June 24, 2025– The Benue State Police Command has launched a massive search-and-rescue operation involving drone surveillance and ground troops to locate 12 individuals kidnapped by gunmen in the Okpokwu Local Government Area of the state.
The victims — 11 passengers and a driver — were travelling in a commercial bus operated by the state-owned Benue Links Transport Company when they were ambushed by armed men around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday along the Otukpo-Otukpa-Enugu highway, close to Eke, a town notorious for repeated kidnapping incidents.
According to Naija News House, which reported the incident on Monday, the attackers blocked the road, looted the passengers’ belongings, and forced them into the surrounding bush, disappearing with them.
The highway, which connects Benue State to Enugu, has become increasingly dangerous, with at least three separate abduction cases reported in the Ogbadibo/Okpokwu axis in the past month alone.
Police React Swiftly
Speaking to journalists, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Udeme Edet, confirmed that security forces swung into action immediately after receiving distress information.
“Upon receiving the report, police tactical teams, soldiers, and the Benue State Community Protection Guard rushed to the scene. They combed the nearby bush and were able to rescue one of the passengers, identified as Paul Terna, who escaped from the kidnappers,” SP Edet stated.
He added that drones have been deployed over the forest area to assist in locating the remaining abducted passengers.
“The Commissioner of Police has moved to the area himself. We have sent additional reinforcements and deployed surveillance drones. The operation is ongoing, and we are doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of the victims,” Edet added.
Benue Links Confirms the Incident
The management of Benue Links Transport Company also confirmed the abduction in a statement issued in Makurdi on Monday. According to Johnson Daniel, the company’s Information Officer, the attacked bus was en route to Makurdi from Abeokuta, Ogun State, when the incident occurred.
“The vehicle, which had 12 passengers and the driver onboard, was intercepted by gunmen near Eke. We can confirm that one passenger escaped and alerted the police in Eke, which helped trigger the rescue effort,” the company said.
Rising Insecurity on Benue-Enugu Highway
The Otukpo-Otukpa-Enugu highway has become a hotspot for criminal activities, especially kidnapping for ransom. Many travelers have expressed growing concerns over the lack of security in the area, urging authorities to increase patrols and install surveillance infrastructure.
Authorities are urging anyone with useful information to contact the police immediately, assuring the public that every effort is being made to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining abductees.
This incident adds to the growing list of security challenges facing various parts of Nigeria, especially in areas where poor road infrastructure and limited law enforcement presence make it easy for criminals to operate.
The search operation remains active as of the time of this report.
