Benue Kidnapping: Shocking Abduction of 14 Bus Passengers, 5 Rescued by Police

On Thursday night, gunmen stormed a commercial bus travelling along the Otukpo–Adoka road in Benue State and abducted 14 passengers. Police confirmed Friday that five victims have been rescued so far, while the search continues for the remaining hostages.

How the Benue Bus Kidnapping Happened

The attack targeted an 18-seater commercial bus traveling from Enugu State to Abuja. According to a local resident, the motive involved Abduction.

Ochai identified the vehicle as ambushed along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis in Ohimini Local Government Area. Every passenger on board was forced into the surrounding bush by the attackers.

Police Confirm Coordinated Rescue Operation

The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, confirmed the kidnapping in a statement to journalists in Makurdi, noting that officers launched a rescue mission early Friday morning that involved a gun battle with the abductors.

Aondongu said the incident occurred on the night of 13 August 2026. The operation had so far freed five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine passengers remain in captivity.

Key details of the rescue operation:

• Passengers abducted: 14
• Victims rescued: 5, including a 4-year-old child
• Victims still in captivity: 9
• Casualties: One rescued victim sustained a gunshot injury and was moved to a hospital in Otukpo for treatment
• Route affected: Enugu–Abuja road, via Otukpo–Adoka axis, Ohimini LGA

Efforts to Free Remaining Victims Continue

Police say the operation is being handled with caution to protect the safety of those still held. The state’s Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, assured families that security agencies would not relent until every passenger is recovered. He called on residents in the area to share credible information that could support the ongoing search.

Rising Insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini

This latest Abduction adds to a troubling pattern of attacks in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas. Communities have reported repeated killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. Local leaders call for sustained security measures and community involvement. The pattern has intensified in the last weeks, increasing displacement concerns.

These events raise fresh concerns about road safety along one of Benue’s busiest interstate routes. Authorities are urged to monitor the situation and increase patrols to reassure residents. Residents fear further incidents could disrupt daily life and commerce along the corridor. Officials have not yet released a detailed timeline of investigations. Stakeholders stress the need for transparency and timely updates. Continued monitoring and collaboration with security agencies are essential.

FAQs

Where did the Benue kidnapping take place? Along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of the Otukpo–Adoka road, in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.

How many passengers were kidnapped? 14 passengers were abducted from an 18-seater bus traveling from Enugu to Abuja.

How many victims have been rescued? Five victims, including a four-year-old boy, have been rescued so far. Nine remain in captivity.

Was anyone hurt during the rescue? Yes. One rescued victim was shot and is receiving treatment at a hospital in Otukpo.

What are authorities doing about the remaining victims? Police, alongside other security agencies, say they are continuing a cautious rescue operation and have urged residents to provide useful information.

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Daniel Dappa

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