The 13 passengers abducted from a Benue Links commercial bus in Eke, Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, have been rescued through a coordinated operation involving the police and local vigilantes.
Chairman of the LGA, Adah Inalegwu, confirmed the successful rescue on Sunday, June 29. He told Channels Television that the combined efforts of security personnel and community vigilantes intensified pressure on the kidnappers by combing surrounding forests.
According to Inalegwu, two victims were rescued on Saturday, while local youths enlisted assistance from neighbouring Kogi State to bolster the search. This increased pressure reportedly forced the kidnappers to abandon the remaining 11 victims at Oando village around 4:00 p.m. on Sunday.
He credited Governor Hyacinth Alia’s support—particularly the provision of logistics and improved surveillance and tracking capabilities—for the successful outcome.
The rescued passengers are currently undergoing profiling and medical checks before being reunited with their families.
The abduction occurred last week when armed men, suspected to be bandits, hijacked a state-owned Benue Links bus and forced its passengers into the bush at gunpoint.