All 18 passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus earlier in the week have been rescued, with authorities confirming their safety after a joint security operation.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, disclosed this on Sunday while presenting 15 of the rescued victims to Governor Hyacinth Alia at the Government House in Makurdi.
He said the operation, carried out with other security agencies, led to the successful recovery of all the victims.
The Commissioner of Police also announced the arrest of seven suspects linked to the incident, describing it as a breakthrough in the investigation. Police said the arrests were made through intelligence-led efforts, with the suspects currently in custody.
The rescued victims are expected to receive medical attention as investigations into the incident continue.
READ ALSO: Police Confirm Rescue Of 13 Remaining Benue Kidnap Victims
Governor Alia, in his remarks, commended security operatives and community efforts for the rescue.
He also revealed that eight of the victims were candidates of the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), who had been travelling to Otukpo at the time of the attack.
The latest disclosure contrasts with earlier positions by both the police and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which had indicated that no UTME candidates were among those abducted.
The victims were taken on Wednesday night when gunmen intercepted the state-owned Benue Links bus, robbed passengers, and abducted several of them into the bush.
Security operatives subsequently launched a coordinated search across nearby areas, leading to the rescue of some victims, while two others escaped from captivity.
By early Sunday, police confirmed that the remaining 13 victims had been freed, completing the rescue operation.
