Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has praised security agencies for rescuing passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway, reiterating his administration’s resolve to curb insecurity across the state.
The governor made this known on Sunday, April 19, 2026, when he received the freed victims at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House in Makurdi shortly after their release.
Reacting to the development, Alia commended the Commissioner of Police and other operatives for their “efforts and determination” in ensuring the safe return of the victims.
He revealed that the abduction occurred on April 15 at about 8 p.m. along the Taraku–Otukpo axis, adding that security personnel had since worked relentlessly to secure their freedom.
“I congratulate the Commissioner of Police and the joint task force for these tremendous efforts,” the governor said, noting that similar rescue missions had been carried out in areas such as Katsina-Ala, Utonkon, and other affected communities.
Giving a breakdown of the incident, the governor explained that 18 passengers were in the vehicle, with 15 taken by the kidnappers. One person escaped the same day, another the next morning, while the remaining 13 were eventually rescued through joint efforts of security operatives and local residents.
He added that eight of the victims were students on their way to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.
The governor appealed to JAMB to consider special arrangements that would allow the affected candidates to take their exams, assuring them of government support.
Alia also disclosed that seven suspected kidnappers, described as armed bandits, had been arrested and are currently in police custody.
While applauding the synergy between state and federal security forces, he maintained that his administration would not tolerate threats to peace in Benue.
“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.
He further directed the State Ministry of Health to ensure that the rescued victims receive urgent medical care at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital and encouraged residents to continue supporting security agencies with timely information.
Earlier, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, confirmed that all the abducted passengers had regained their freedom following coordinated rescue operations.
According to him, the mission involved a joint effort by the police, military, Department of State Services, Civil Defence, local vigilante groups, and other stakeholders, acting on the directive of the Inspector General of Police.
He explained that the final group of 13 victims was rescued in the early hours of Sunday after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers within the forest.
The commissioner added that seven suspects connected to the crime have been identified and detained, while investigations are ongoing to track down other accomplices.
He also revealed that security forces have stepped up clearance operations in identified hotspots, including the Amla Forest and surrounding areas, to dismantle criminal hideouts and enhance safety, particularly as the farming season approaches.
Reassuring residents, he emphasized that security agencies remain fully engaged and will continue joint operations to eliminate banditry and related crimes across the state.
Gov Alia receives rescued Benue Links passengers, vows security crackdown
