Relief, 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 (LGA), have been in captivity for four days, Blueprint.ng reports.
Though details of the rescue remain unclear, sources suggest it was the result of a “coordinated effort” by security forces.
At the time of this report, neither the police nor the government had confirmed whether ransom payments were involved or if suspects were apprehended.
The physical condition of the passengers has also not been officially disclosed, but they are believed to be undergoing medical checks.
The abduction had heightened fears among commuters who rely on the Makurdi–Otukpo route, an axis increasingly plagued by security breaches and kidnappings.
Residents in the state have commended the rescue as a “significant breakthrough” while urging the government to strengthen security within the state, especially on roads within the Benue South area.
“We are relieved beyond words, but the frequency of these incidents cannot be ignored. The safety of our roads is paramount for the survival of this region,” said community leader Mr Adamu Oko.
Initially, reports went viral that the kidnapped victims were JAMB candidates heading to to take part in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), but officials revealed on Saturday that they were applicants for police recruitment exercise.
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