Thirteen passengers abducted near the burnt bricks factory in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State have been rescued after four days in captivity. The group was seized by gunmen along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway, a route increasingly affected by armed attacks. They were freed on Sunday morning, bringing relief to families and residents, though official confirmation from police or state authorities on the circumstances of the rescue remains pending. It is not yet clear whether ransom was paid or if any suspects were arrested during the operation. The passengers, initially believed to be JAMB candidates, were later identified as applicants for a police recruitment exercise. Their current physical condition has not been officially disclosed, but they are thought to be receiving medical attention. Sources describe the rescue as the result of a "coordinated effort" by security forces, though no detailed account has been released. The incident has intensified concerns over safety on major roads in Benue South, with commuters expressing both relief and anxiety over recurring abductions. Community leader Mr Adamu Oko welcomed the rescue but stressed that the frequency of such incidents demands urgent attention. The state government has yet to issue a comprehensive statement on security improvements or investigations.
The police recruitment candidates were targeted just days before their exam, exposing a dangerous contradiction between public trust in security agencies and the vulnerability of those seeking to join them. Mr Adamu Oko's relief is tempered by his public warning, underscoring that safe roads are not a luxury but a necessity for daily survival in Benue South. If applicants for law enforcement can be kidnapped on a major highway, the risk to ordinary commuters is even greater. The lack of official clarity on arrests or ransom only deepens public unease.
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