Benue Police Arrest 7 Suspects Over Bus Passenger Kidnapping, Clarify Victims Were Not JAMB Candidates

According to Ireporter Online, the Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspects in connection with the abduction of 13 passengers along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road on Wednesday.

It was earlier reported that gunmen intercepted a commercial bus belonging to Benue Links Nigeria Limited and abducted 14 passengers. However, the police have now clarified that the victims were 13 passengers and not students of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), as earlier speculated in some reports.

The clarification was contained in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, who dismissed claims that the abducted passengers were part of a convoy of candidates en route to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The Command stressed that the victims were ordinary travellers on a Makurdi-bound bus.

The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, disclosed that a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the police and other sister security agencies led to the rescue of some of the victims in Amla Forest, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

He added that efforts have been intensified to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining abducted passengers, while assuring residents of the Command’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the affected area.

The Police further urged members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information, noting that such cooperation remains vital in tackling insecurity.

Authorities also encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities through official hotlines: 08066006475, 07067374913, or at the nearest police station.