By Peter Duru
The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with last Wednesday’s abduction of passengers aboard an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi-Otukpo highway.
The victims, who included candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) enroute to Otukpo for their examinations, have all regained their freedom.
Briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia while presenting the rescued passengers in Makurdi, the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, said the victims were freed through a joint operation involving multiple security agencies.
He explained that five of the passengers were earlier released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning.
“With the earlier release of five occupants of the vehicle, the remaining 13 were rescued this (Sunday) morning unhurt,” Emenari said.
He commended Governor Alia and the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, for their support, noting that the deployment of the IGP tactical team helped intensify pressure on the kidnappers.
“That is why we were able to mount pressure on the bandits to ensure the victims’ safe return,” he added.
Emenari disclosed that eight suspects were currently in police custody, including seven believed to be directly linked to the crime.
“We already have eight suspects in our custody, and out of this number, seven are suspected herdsmen bandits connected with the crime. Some of the victims have been able to identify them,” he said.
He further revealed that the command had launched special operations across the state to flush out criminal elements from forest hideouts, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police and the state government.
Receiving the victims, Governor Alia expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping in parts of the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 passengers.
“Among the victims are eight young people who were heading to Otukpo to write their examinations. On the whole, 18 persons were kidnapped, and I am happy to hear that they have all returned safely. I am also pleased that seven suspected herdsmen bandits have been arrested over the incident,” the governor said.
Alia urged JAMB to consider rescheduling the examinations for the affected candidates to enable them to participate.
He assured that the state government would provide necessary support to the victims and reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for criminal activities.
The Governor also called on residents to support security agencies with timely and useful information, while directing the Commissioner for Health and Human Services to ensure that the victims receive proper medical evaluation.
He added that the government would roll out support packages for the rescued passengers.
Article We apprehended seven militia herdsmen over kidnapped JAMB candidates – Police Live On NgGossips.
