Relief on Sunday morning swept across Benue state as all 13 passengers abducted along the troubled Makurdi–Otukpo highway were freed.
The victims, seized by gunmen near the burnt bricks factory in Otukpo Local Government Area, have been in captivity for four days.
Commissioner of Police, Benue state command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, on Sunday confirmed the successful rescue of kidnap victims abducted in Otukpo.
The commissioner said acting on directives from the Governor and the Inspector General of Police, the Command launched a coordinated operation involving security agencies and local taskforces.
He said the victims were rescued from Amla Forest following a collaborative effort monitored by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
According to him, eight suspects were arrested, seven of whom were identified as bandit herdsmen responsible for kidnappings along the axis.
CP Emenari commended the support of the Governor and the joint efforts of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) Civil Defense rangers and other security forces.
He announced that clearance operations would continue to flush out bandits and kidnappers hiding in the forest, especially during the farming season when clashes are more likely. He stressed that violence would not be tolerated.
However A family member of the victims who pleased anonymity said ₦3.4 million ransom paid to the abductors was what actually facilitated the release of the victims.
He noted that when the money was released to the kidnappers, they brought the victims to a point before security were informed to come and escort them out.
Governor Hyacinth Alia, after receiving the rescued victims, expressed relief and gratitude to the security forces, communities, and taskforces whose hard work made the rescue possible.
He noted that the incident occurred around 8 pm, and efforts to secure the victims continued throughout the period the victims were in captivity.
The governor noted that the Benue South axis has been plagued by repeated kidnappings, recalling recent rescues of 20 medical students, 17 victims from Oju, and nine parishioners.
He emphasised that persistent vigilance and collaboration are essential to flush out criminals from the state.
Among the abducted were 18 passengers, including eight candidates preparing to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.
Three passengers managed to escape, and all remaining victims were eventually rescued.
Governor Alia confirmed that the suspects arrested were bandit herdsmen who have been terrorising the state.
He assured residents that crime would not be tolerated and commended federal agencies for their prompt responses.
The Governor also sympathised with the people of Gwer West, where lives were lost in Mbapa, stressing that even one life lost is too many.
He called for communities to continue joining forces with the government to ensure safety.
He promised that the state would support the affected JAMB candidates and cover any inconvenience caused, assuring that the Ministry of Education would take care of their educational needs.
The rescued victims recounted their ordeal, stating that they were kidnapped at 8 PM and forced to walk through the bush until 4 am before being allowed to rest.
They said they were denied water, beaten for minor mistakes, and fed only with unripe mangoes during their captivity. Despite the harsh conditions, they expressed relief at being rescued alive.
