Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has commended security agencies for the successful rescue of passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the state.
The governor gave the commendation on Sunday, April 19, 2026, while receiving the rescued victims at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House in Makurdi, following their release from captivity.
Speaking during the reception, Alia praised the Commissioner of Police and other security operatives for what he described as their “efforts and determination” in securing the victims’ freedom. He disclosed that the passengers were kidnapped on April 15 at about 8 p.m. along the Taraku–Otukpo axis, noting that security agencies had worked tirelessly since the incident to ensure their safe return.
“I congratulate the Commissioner of Police and the joint task force for these tremendous efforts,” the governor said, adding that recent operations had recorded multiple rescues across the state, including victims in Katsina-Ala, Utonkon, and other troubled areas.
Providing further details, the governor explained that 18 passengers were on board the vehicle at the time of the attack, out of which 15 were abducted. One victim escaped on the day of the incident, another the following morning, while the remaining 13 were eventually rescued through coordinated efforts by security operatives with support from local communities.
Among those rescued were eight students travelling to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations. Governor Alia appealed to the examination body to make special arrangements for the affected candidates, assuring them of the state government’s support.
He also revealed that seven suspected kidnappers, described as armed bandits, have been arrested and are currently in custody. While commending the collaboration between state and federal security agencies, the governor stressed that his administration would not tolerate any threat to peace in the state.
“We will flush out all criminal elements and their hideouts. Benue has been a place of peace, and we cannot accommodate anything contrary,” he stated.
The governor further directed the State Ministry of Health to ensure that all rescued victims receive immediate medical attention at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, while urging communities to continue supporting security efforts through timely information sharing.
Earlier, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, confirmed that all abducted passengers had regained their freedom following coordinated rescue operations. He said the mission involved a joint effort by the Nigeria Police Force, military, Department of State Services, Civil Defence, local vigilantes, and other stakeholders, under the directive of the Inspector General of Police.
According to him, the last batch of 13 victims was rescued in the early hours of Sunday after sustained pressure on the kidnappers within the forest. He added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend other accomplices linked to the crime.
The police commissioner also disclosed that security agencies have intensified clearance operations across known flashpoints, including the Amla Forest and surrounding areas, to dismantle criminal networks and secure communities, particularly as the farming season begins.
He assured residents that security forces remain on top of the situation, emphasizing that sustained joint operations would continue to rid the state of banditry and related crimes.
