The Police Command in Benue State has arrested seven suspects in connection with the April 15 abduction of passengers in Otukpo as security agencies intensify efforts to tackle rising insecurity in the area.
The Command’s spokesperson, Edet Udeme, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Makurdi on Saturday.
According to her, the arrests were made during a coordinated joint security operation involving the police and other agencies, alongside a targeted search-and-rescue mission carried out in Amla Forest and surrounding areas.
She added that the operation also led to the rescue of some of the abducted victims, who are currently receiving medical attention, although the exact number of those rescued was not disclosed.
“Further intelligence gathered in the course of the operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, who are currently in police custody while the investigation is ongoing.
“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).
“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,” she said.
Udeme also quoted the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, as assuring residents that ongoing operations are being intensified to secure the release of the remaining victims.
She urged members of the public to support security agencies by providing credible and timely information that could aid the rescue mission and ongoing investigations.
What you should know
The arrest of seven suspects marks a significant step in efforts to address the recent abduction incident in Benue State, though concerns remain over the safety of those still in captivity.
Authorities have clarified that the victims were not part of a UTME convoy, correcting widespread misinformation. The development highlights ongoing security challenges in parts of Nigeria, particularly along major roads.
Continued collaboration between security agencies and local communities is seen as crucial to improving response efforts, preventing further attacks, and ensuring the safe recovery of all abducted individuals.
