The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen linked to the abduction of passengers travelling along the busy Makurdi–Otukpo road, bringing relief to families and residents after days of tension.
The victims, who were kidnapped last Wednesday while travelling in an 18-seater Benue Links bus, have all been rescued safely. Among them were candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), who were on their way to Otukpo to sit for their examinations.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ifeanyi Emenari, disclosed this while presenting the rescued passengers to the state governor in Makurdi. He said the success of the operation was the result of joint efforts by multiple security agencies working together to track down the kidnappers.
According to him, the rescue operation was carried out in phases. Five of the victims were released earlier, while the remaining 13 regained their freedom on Sunday morning.
“With the earlier release of five occupants of the vehicle, the remaining 13 were rescued this Sunday morning unhurt,” Emenari said.
He explained that sustained pressure from security operatives forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives. The deployment of a special tactical team approved by the Nigeria Police Force played a key role in the operation.
The police commissioner noted that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, provided strong support by sending additional personnel to the state. He added that the backing of the state government also made it easier for security agencies to act quickly.
“That is why we were able to mount pressure on the bandits to ensure the victims’ safe return,” he said.
Emenari further revealed that eight suspects are currently in police custody. Out of this number, seven are believed to be directly involved in the kidnapping. He said some of the rescued victims have already identified the suspects, strengthening the case against them.
The suspects are believed to be part of a network of armed groups that operate in forest areas and along major highways in the state. Security agencies have long struggled to control such groups, which often target travellers for ransom.
To address this, the police have begun special clearance operations across Benue State. These operations are aimed at flushing out criminal elements hiding in forests and rural communities. According to Emenari, the exercise is being carried out in line with directives from the police headquarters and the state government.
Benue State, located in Nigeria’s North-Central region, has faced increasing security challenges in recent years. The state has witnessed clashes between farmers and herders, as well as rising cases of kidnapping and armed robbery. Major roads, including the Makurdi–Otukpo route, have become hotspots for criminal activities.
The abduction of the bus passengers, especially students heading for examinations, drew widespread concern across the country. Many Nigerians took to social media to demand swift action from security agencies.
Receiving the rescued victims, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed both relief and concern. He said he was worried about the increasing cases of kidnapping in the state but thanked security agencies for ensuring that all the victims returned safely.
“Among the victims are eight young people who were heading to Otukpo to write their examinations. On the whole, 18 persons were kidnapped, and I am happy to hear that they have all returned safely,” the governor said.
He also confirmed the arrest of seven suspected herdsmen linked to the crime, describing it as a positive step in the fight against insecurity.
Governor Alia used the opportunity to call on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to consider fixing another date for the affected candidates. He said the students should not be made to suffer academic setbacks due to circumstances beyond their control.
The governor assured that the state government would provide support for the rescued victims. He directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services to ensure that all of them undergo proper medical checks to confirm their physical and mental well-being.
He also promised that the government would introduce support measures to help the victims recover from the experience.
Kidnapping has become a major security concern in Nigeria, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions. Criminal groups often target highways, schools and rural communities, demanding ransom for the release of victims. In some cases, these incidents have disrupted education, business and daily life.
In response to these challenges, the Federal Government has continued to strengthen security operations across the country. The deployment of tactical teams, increased patrols and intelligence gathering are some of the measures being used to combat crime.
However, authorities have repeatedly stressed the importance of community support. Governor Alia echoed this message, urging residents of Benue State to provide useful information to security agencies.
He said timely and accurate information can help prevent crimes and make it easier to arrest those responsible.
“We must all work together to end these criminal activities,” the governor said.
Residents of Makurdi and surrounding areas have welcomed the rescue of the victims, describing it as a sign that security efforts are beginning to yield results. However, many also called for sustained action to ensure that such incidents do not happen again.
For the rescued passengers, the experience is one they are unlikely to forget. While they have regained their freedom, the emotional impact of the ordeal may take time to heal.
As investigations continue, attention will focus on uncovering the full network behind the kidnapping. Security agencies are expected to intensify efforts to track down other members of the group and prevent future attacks.
The successful rescue of all 18 victims, including the JAMB candidates, offers a moment of relief. But it also serves as a reminder of the work that still needs to be done to ensure safety on Nigeria’s roads.
With renewed efforts from both the government and security agencies, residents hope that peace and security will return fully to Benue State and other affected parts of the country.