All 13 passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road have regained their freedom, bringing relief after days of anxiety over their fate.
Among those rescued were candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board who were travelling to Otukpo to sit for their examinations when the attack occurred last Wednesday.
The victims were reportedly held captive for about three days after armed men intercepted the 18-seater vehicle in Benue State. While authorities are yet to provide full details on how the rescue was carried out, sources indicate that the passengers were freed in the early hours of Sunday.
Security forces had intensified operations in the area in the days following the abduction, which likely contributed to the successful outcome.
After regaining their freedom, the victims were quickly evacuated for medical attention and are currently receiving treatment at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo.
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the development and assured that further details would be made available.
The incident had sparked widespread concern, particularly because it involved students travelling for a national examination, underscoring persistent security challenges on major highways.
