Gunmen abduct passengers on Benue highway, one rescued
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected armed men have kidnapped multiple passengers traveling along the Ugbokolo–Otukpo Expressway in Benue State, with one victim rescued during an early response operation.
The incident occurred on Saturday, June 22, around 5:30 p.m., between Ogblega and Omekpo, near Eke Ajide, when the assailants reportedly emerged from the bush and opened fire sporadically to halt an oncoming Hummer bus conveying 13 passengers.
The passengers were said to be traveling from Ogun State to Makurdi when the attack happened.
Zagazola Makama gathered that a joint security team comprising local police, the Benue State Protection Guard, and military personnel responded swiftly to the scene.
A search operation led to the rescue of one victim, Paul Terna, who escaped from his captors and was found during a bush combing exercise. Terna disclosed that eight suspected herdsmen had ambushed their vehicle and forced all occupants into the surrounding forest.
Following the development, security reinforcements have been ordered to the area, including tactical units from Otukpo, Apa, and Naka, along with operatives from the Command Strike Force.
