Security forces have successfully rescued 13 passengers of Benue Links who were taken by gunmen in Benue State.
The passengers were kidnapped at Eke in Okpokwu Local Government Area, according to local reports. The abduction had caused fear among residents and travelers in the region, but a quick response by a mix of police officers and local vigilante groups brought a positive result.
Adah Inalegwu, the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area, confirmed the rescue on Sunday. He noted that a joint effort between the Nigeria Police and local security volunteers led to the freedom of two victims on Saturday. The rest of the hostages were released the following day.
Inalegwu further shared that young people in the area joined forces with volunteers from nearby Kogi State. Their actions reportedly increased pressure on the kidnappers. As a result, the abductors abandoned the remaining eleven victims at a place called Oando village around 4:00 pm on Sunday.
He also noted that Governor Hyacinth Alia’s support helped in the success of the rescue. According to him, the governor’s provision of vehicles, fuel, and security tracking equipment made it easier to track the kidnappers and locate the victims. He said these efforts have made the area more secure in recent times.
The rescued passengers are currently going through profiling by the authorities to confirm their identities before being sent home to their families.
