The Police Command in Benue have rescued 14 passengers of Benue Links, kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Thursday evening in Otukpo LGA of the state.
Confirming this development to newsmen, the command’s spokesperson, SP Sewuese Anene, said that the bus was attacked on April 3, around Otukpo Burnt Bricks area, leading to the d3ath of the driver and one passenger.
She mentioned that the armed kidnappers thereafter took the 14 other passengers to an unknown destination.
Anene added that command’s officers in collaboration with the State Civil Protection Guard, stormed the scene and found the driver and a passenger with gunshot injuries in the vehicle, after others were whisked away by the kidnappers.
“The injured were conveyed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a doctor. The team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately.
On April 4, at about 1500hrs, they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel. The superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels, abandoning their captives.
Unfortunately, they had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue. Fourteen victims were rescued and taken to the hospital, where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment,” she said.
Anene said that the Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, commiserated with families of the deceased and pledged to bring the perpetuators to book.
She said that he enjoined the people of Otukpo to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the Police, as many of the bandits received gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.