The Benue State Police Command has recorded a significant breakthrough in its ongoing crackdown on kidnapping, following the abduction incident that occurred on April 15, 2026, in Otukpo.
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, the Command confirmed that a coordinated joint security operation involving the police and other security agencies is actively ongoing in Amla Forest and surrounding areas. The targeted search-and-rescue mission has already led to the successful rescue of some of the kidnapped victims, who are currently receiving medical attention.
The operation also resulted in the arrest of seven suspects, now in police custody, as investigations continue to uncover the full details surrounding the abduction.
The Command further debunked circulating reports suggesting that the victims were part of a convoy transporting students for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). According to the police, the victims were not linked to any organized UTME convoy but were passengers aboard a commercial bus traveling towards Makurdi.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, reassured residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims and restore normalcy in the affected areas.
He also urged members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information, encouraging them to report suspicious activities through official police channels or at the nearest police station.
The Benue State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents across the state.
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