Troops rescue 13 kidnapped Benue links passengers, students heading for JAMB among victims
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued 13 passengers who were abducted from a Benue Links commercial bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road, including students travelling to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.
The passengers were among 17 travellers kidnapped on April 15 while en route from Makurdi to Otukpo in Benue State. Three victims had earlier escaped from captivity, bringing the total number of those now freed to 16.
Security sources according to ZagaZola Makama report, disclosed that the latest rescue occurred at about 7:03 p.m. on April 19, following sustained search-and-rescue operations by troops of Sub-Sector 1B, Operation Whirl Stroke, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
According to the sources, the victims were discovered in a forested area around Okete Ward, behind the Idoma Doctors Forum building, after troops intensified tracking efforts and acted on credible intelligence regarding the kidnappers’ movements.
The operation, described as professionally executed, led to the safe recovery of the victims without casualties.
“The operation was carried out professionally, leading to the safe recovery of 13 victims. Preliminary findings indicate that the perpetrators are criminal elements from within the state and not external armed groups as widely speculated,” a security source said.
Authorities also clarified that the attackers were local criminal elements operating within Benue State, contrary to earlier speculation in some quarters that Fulani bandits were responsible for the abduction.
Security officials noted that the attack had been prematurely attributed to external groups without adequate verification, stressing the need for caution in reporting security incidents.
The rescued passengers have been identified as Hycent Oko (56), Elaiguli Joshua (25), Orili Raphael (29), Sunday Augustine (18), Emmanuel Elaicha (21), Gbile Nguyor Daniel (18), Ukacha Tersoo (18), Nyikwagh Aoridakator (22), Iornav Ngukuhan (18), Nyikwagh Benjamin (18), Buker Agatha (19), Paul Wende (29) and Akor Jessica (19).
The victims are currently receiving medical attention and debriefing, while security forces continue efforts to apprehend the kidnappers and ensure the safety of commuters along the Makurdi–Otukpo corridor.
Operation Whirl Stroke has intensified patrols and surveillance across the area to prevent further attacks and reassure residents and travellers of improved security.