From Joseph Uchenna, in Makurdi
The Benue State Police Command has secured the release of 11 victims who were kidnapped in Eke Elengbecho, Okpokwu local government area of Benue State.
Recall that on Sunday July 22, 2025, a Benue Links vehicle conveying 12 passengers enroute Makurdi from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital was attacked at Eke Elengbecho and 11 persons were abducted while one managed to escape.
A press statement signed by the Command Public Relations’ Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the Police successfully rescued the victims from a Benue Links Hummer Bus (Reg. No. 14B143BN) in the unfortunate incident.
She explained that the rescue mission followed a sustained and intelligence-driven operation led by the Inspector-General of Police Special Intervention Squad, IGP-SIS, in collaboration with the Command’s Tactical and Patrol Teams, the Military, and other sister security agencies.
She said, “acting on credible intelligence that the kidnappers were moving the victims through the bush path around Ondo Village in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA, operatives swiftly mobilised and conducted an extensive search operation.
“After hours of combing the area, eleven (11) victims were safely located and rescued.One suspect has been arrested in connection to the kidnapping,while effort is being sustained to identify and arrest the other suspects. The victims are currently receiving appropriate medical attention and psychological support.
“This operation comes just one week after two (2) other victims from the same incident were rescued and reunited with their families”.
The Police Spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, commended the courage and professionalism of the operatives involved, as well as the resilience of the rescued victims, assuring that investigations are ongoing to ensure that all those responsible for this criminal act are brought to justice.
