Police authorities in Benue State have successfully rescued 14 passengers of Benue Links who were kidnapped by gunmen on Thursday evening in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Confirming the incident, the command’s spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, stated that the attack took place on April 3, near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area.
Unfortunately, the bus driver and one passenger sustained gunshot wounds and were later confirmed dead at the hospital.
Anene explained that the armed assailants took 14 passengers to an undisclosed location after the ambush.
Prompt response by police operatives, working in conjunction with the State Civil Protection Guard, led to the discovery of the wounded victims in the bus.
A manhunt for the kidnappers was immediately launched into the surrounding forest.
“On April 4 at about 3:00 p.m., security forces encountered the kidnappers in the forest. A gunfight ensued, during which the criminals were overpowered and fled, abandoning the abducted passengers. Sadly, two of the victims had already sustained machete wounds before they were rescued.
Fourteen hostages were freed and taken to the hospital, where one more was pronounced dead, while others are currently receiving treatment,” the police said.
SP Anene also noted that the state’s Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, has extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.
He further urged residents of Otukpo to report anyone with unexplained gunshot wounds, as many of the fleeing bandits may be injured from the shootout.