Security Operatives Arrest Seven Suspects Linked To Benue Abduction

Security operatives in Benue State have arrested seven suspects and rescued some victims following a kidnapping incident in Otukpo Local Government Area.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued on Friday by the Police Public Relations Officer for the Benue State Command, Udeme Edet.

According to the police, the breakthrough was achieved through a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.

The force disclosed that intelligence gathered during the operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, who are now in custody.

“The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough following the kidnapping incident that occurred on 15th April, 2026 in Otukpo.

“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,” the statement partly read.

It added that operatives are currently conducting a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and surrounding areas.

“The operation has led to the successful rescue of some of the victims, who are currently receiving medical attention,” the force said.

The Command also addressed reports suggesting that the victims were students travelling to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), describing the claim as inaccurate.

“The Command 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).

“The Command states that this claim is incorrect, as the victims were not confirmed to be part of any organised UTME-bound student convoy but passengers in a Makurdi-bound bus,” the statement read.

The abduction occurred on Wednesday when gunmen attacked a commercial bus operated by Benue Links Limited in Otukpo.

According to reports, the assailants intercepted the vehicle, robbed the passengers, and abducted several of them into the bush.

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