…Police dismiss UTME convoy claims, confirm victims were bus passengers
…Some abductees rescued as search intensifies in Amla Forest
Security operatives in Benue State have arrested seven suspects in connection with the recent abduction of passengers in Otukpo Local Government Area, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation.
The arrests were confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the state command, Udeme Edet, following a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when armed assailants attacked a commercial bus operated by Benue Links Limited in Otukpo.
The gunmen reportedly intercepted the vehicle, robbed passengers, and whisked several of them into a nearby forest.
While initial reports suggested that about 17 passengers were abducted, the police clarified that 14 persons were taken during the attack, noting that one individual managed to escape at the scene.
According to the command, intelligence-driven operations led to the arrest of the seven suspects, who are currently in custody as investigations continue.
The police further disclosed that security operatives have launched a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and surrounding areas, where the victims are believed to have been taken.
Authorities confirmed that the operation has already yielded results, with some of the abducted passengers rescued and currently receiving medical attention. However, the exact number of those freed was not disclosed.
In addition, at least two victims were reported to have escaped from their captors, as efforts intensify to secure the release of the remaining hostages.
Clarifying widespread reports, the police dismissed claims that the victims were students travelling to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, stating that they were simply passengers aboard a Makurdi-bound commercial bus.
“The Command wishes to correct misinformation suggesting that the victims were part of a UTME convoy. This is inaccurate,” the statement said.
Despite the clarification, some reports maintain that a number of the victims may have been candidates heading for the nationwide examination, which commenced on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Ifeanyi Emenari, assured residents that security agencies are working round the clock to restore normalcy and ensure the safe return of all abducted persons.
Preliminary investigations have also raised concerns about possible breaches of operational guidelines by the bus driver, who is alleged to have travelled at night and picked up passengers outside approved procedures. He is currently under interrogation.
The police urged members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information through official channels.
Reacting to the development, opposition figure Peter Obi condemned the incident, describing it as a reflection of worsening insecurity and a failure of leadership.
He lamented what he termed a growing pattern of neglect of citizens’ safety, warning that such incidents underscore deeper governance challenges.
The attack has further heightened concerns over the safety of road travel across Nigeria, particularly during peak periods such as national examinations when movement is significantly increased.
Security agencies say efforts remain ongoing to track down other members of the criminal network and ensure justice is served.
