Benue State Police Command disclosed on Friday that one suspect linked to the attack has been arrested.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening when armed men ambushed a Benue Links Toyota Hiace bus at the Benue Burnt Bricks axis in Otukpo Local Government Area, robbing occupants before marching them into the bush.
Police spokesperson Udeme Edet said tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, have been deployed to track the abductors, stressing that the Command is working with other agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims.
“The Command has deployed several tactical teams and is working with other agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims,” she said.
The police had earlier confirmed that 14 passengers were taken during the attack, with many believed to be young people travelling for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Eyewitnesses recounted that the bus had about 18 passengers and was intercepted around 8 p.m., with two persons, including the driver, escaping at the time.
Authorities later clarified that not all those on board were UTME candidates, contrary to initial reports. Both the police and Benue Links management have confirmed the driver is now in custody for breaching company policy by undertaking an unauthorised night trip.
General Manager of Benue Links, Alexander Fanafa, explained that the driver picked up passengers after official hours without a formal manifest, a move that exposed them to risk.
