The Benue State Police Command has successfully rescued 14 passengers who were kidnapped in Otukpo. The incident happened on the evening of April 3, when unknown gunmen attacked a Benue Links bus around the Burnt Bricks area of Otukpo Local Government Area.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, the attackers shot and killed the bus driver and one passenger during the attack. They then took the remaining 14 passengers to an unknown location.
After the incident, police officers, along with the State Civil Protection Guard, arrived at the scene. They found the bodies of the driver and a passenger, both with gunshot wounds, inside the bus.
Anene said that the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, sent his condolences to the families of the victims. He also promised that the police would find and punish those behind the attack.
“The injured were conveyed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a doctor. The team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately.
On April 4, at about 1500hrs, they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel. The superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels, abandoning their captives.
Unfortunately, they had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue. Fourteen victims were rescued and taken to the hospital, where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment,” she said.
The Police are asking residents of Otukpo to report anyone with gunshot wounds, as some of the attackers were injured during a shootout with security forces.
