The Benue State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu, confirmed the rescue of five of 14 passengers abducted by gunmen from an 18-seater commercial bus along the Ankpechi-Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area, Benue State.

The bus was travelling from Enugu State to Abuja when the attackers reportedly ambushed it on Thursday night, August 13, along the Otukpo-Adoka road.

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A resident identified as Ochai told journalists that the gunmen forced the passengers into a nearby forest after stopping the vehicle.

“Some gunmen ambushed an 18-seater bus heading to Abuja between Omutele and Ankpechi along Otukpo-Adoka road yesterday night,” Ochai said.

“All the passengers in the vehicle were whisked away by the gunmen.”

Confirming the attack, the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, said security operatives launched a coordinated rescue operation early on Friday.

The operation reportedly involved an exchange of gunfire with the suspected kidnappers.

According to Aondongu, five victims have so far been rescued, including a four-year-old boy, while nine passengers remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.

“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this morning,” Aondongu said.

He disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.

The police spokesperson said security agencies had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine passengers, while carefully conducting the operation with the safety of the victims in mind.

Commissioner Nwadiogbu also assured the affected families that security personnel would continue the search until the remaining passengers were freed.

The Benue kidnap crisis adds to growing security concerns in parts of the state, particularly around Otukpo and Ohimini, where residents have reported incidents of kidnapping and killings in recent weeks.

The latest attack also highlights the vulnerability of travelers using inter-community and interstate routes, particularly at night.

The police have appealed to residents of communities around the affected area to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist investigators and rescue teams.

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For the families of the nine passengers still being held, the operation remains a tense wait as security agencies work to bring the abduction to a safe conclusion.