The Benue State Police Command has announced a significant breakthrough in the kidnapping incident that occurred on Thursday in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet.
She said operatives, in a coordinated joint security operation involving the Police and other sister security agencies, are conducting a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and adjoining areas.
Edet said the operation has led to the successful rescue of some of the victims, who are currently receiving medical attention.
She said further intelligence gathered in the course of the operation led to the arrest of seven (7) suspects, who are currently in police custody, while investigation is ongoing.
Edet said the command also wishes to clarify misinformation circulating in some news media suggesting that the victims were part of a convoy conveying students to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
She said this claim is incorrect, as the victims were not confirmed to be part of any organised UTME-bound student convoy but were passengers in a Makurdi-bound bus.
Edet said the Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Ifeanyi Emenari, assures members of the public that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, is intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims and ensure the full restoration of peace and security in the affected area.
She said members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to the following official police hotlines: 08066006475, 07067374913, or report at the nearest police station.
Edet said the command urges continued cooperation by providing credible and timely information to security agencies.
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