The Benue State Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in the kidnapping incident that occurred on April 15, 2026, in Otukpo Local Government Area, with several victims rescued and seven (7) suspects arrested.
In a press statement issued Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the Command disclosed that a coordinated joint security operation involving the Police and other sister agencies is ongoing in Amla Forest and surrounding areas.
“The operation has so far led to the successful rescue of some of the victims, who are currently receiving medical attention. Further intelligence gathered during the mission also resulted in the arrest of seven suspects now in police custody as investigations continue”
The Command also clarified reports circulating in some sections of the media that the abducted persons were part of a convoy transporting students for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
According to the statement, that claim is incorrect. “The victims were passengers aboard a Makurdi-bound bus and were not confirmed to be part of any organised UTME-bound student convoy”
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, assured the public that the Command, in collaboration with other security agencies, is intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims and restore full peace and security to the affected area.
He urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the official police hotlines:08066006475, 07067374913 or at the nearest police station. The Command also appealed for continued cooperation through the provision of credible and timely information to security agencies.
The April 15 incident involved the interception of an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Ikobi axis of Otukpo. While two of the 15 initially abducted passengers escaped earlier, police operations have now secured the release of additional victims. The total number of those still unaccounted for was not specified in the latest update.
