Security operatives have rescued the remaining 13 passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus on the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State. The victims were taken on Wednesday night when gunmen intercepted the bus near the Benue Burnt Bricks axis in Otukpo Local Government Area, robbed them, and dragged several into the bush. Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari confirmed the rescue in a statement on Sunday, adding that a news conference would be held in Makurdi once the victims arrived. Earlier, police had confirmed 14 people abducted, with one escaping shortly after. By Friday, five had been rescued, leaving 13 still missing until the latest operation. The rescue followed joint efforts in Amla Forest and surrounding areas, where security forces also arrested seven suspects linked to the attack. Police initially said the passengers were not part of an organised group of examination candidates. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) confirmed no registered candidates were officially listed among the victims. However, a relative of one passenger disputed this, stating anonymously that the nephew was on the bus en route to sit for the UTME in Otukpo and that most others were candidates too. The incident reflects ongoing insecurity in Benue State, with recent attacks reported in Otukpo, Apa, and Gwer East. Investigations into the abduction are continuing as security agencies work to dismantle criminal networks along major transport routes.
The police say the rescued passengers were not UTME candidates, yet a relative insists the nephew was headed to Otukpo for the JAMB exam, exposing a gap in official accounts. If the victims were indeed students travelling for national exams, the state's failure to secure such routes affects specific young Nigerians preparing for critical life opportunities. The contradiction between family testimony and official statements leaves uncertainty about who exactly was targeted and why. This confusion does little to reassure families relying on accurate information during crises.
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