Benue police rescue 13 more passengers abducted on Otukpo-Adoka road

Benue State police have rescued 13 more passengers who were abducted by suspected armed herdsmen along the Otukpo-Adoka Road. The victims were traveling from Enugu to Abuja aboard an 18-seater bus that was ambushed on August 14, 2026. This marks the second phase of rescues following the initial recovery of five passengers shortly after the attack. The latest group was freed on August 20 after a targeted operation conducted by police and local security forces. The rescue took place around 2 a.m. in the Amla-Cho Forest within Otukpo Local Government Area. According to the police public relations officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, the operation was based on credible intelligence gathered over several days. He stated that the victims were found unharmed despite the suspects having escaped into the night. The police confirmed that the abductors had fled the area, leaving behind no trace of their presence except for the evidence collected during previous encounters. On August 16, police operatives clashed with the kidnappers in a violent confrontation. During this engagement, one suspect was killed, and authorities recovered an AK-47 rifle along with five bullets. These weapons were later presented as evidence in ongoing investigations. The initial rescue effort had accounted for five individuals, but further examination of the passenger list revealed that four others had not been documented initially. As a result, the total number of rescued individuals rose from nine to 13. Following the successful operation, the rescued passengers received medical attention before being transported to their respective destinations via a chartered bus. The police emphasized the importance of maintaining accurate records, urging transport companies to ensure all passengers are properly documented. This measure, they argued, could significantly aid in future emergency responses and victim identification processes. Commissioner of Police CP Cletus Nwadiogbu praised the officers involved for their bravery and persistence. He assured the public that the police force would continue working alongside other security agencies to combat criminal activities throughout the state. His comments came amid heightened concerns over the safety of travelers in regions frequently affected by such incidents. The incident has reignited discussions about the vulnerability of transportation routes in Benue State, particularly those traversing areas known for conflicts between farmers and herders. While the police have made progress in recovering some of the abducted individuals, the pursuit of the remaining suspects continues. Authorities are conducting thorough investigations to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. Efforts are underway to enhance security measures along key roads and improve coordination between different law enforcement bodies. The police have reiterated their commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring safe travel conditions. Meanwhile, community leaders and transport operators are being encouraged to collaborate more closely with security forces to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The recent developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in dealing with organized crime and cross-border threats. Despite these difficulties, the successful rescue of the 13 passengers demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated operations and the dedication of the police personnel involved. Investigations into the incident remain active, with new leads being pursued daily.