From Henry Ibya, Makurdi
Benue State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough in the April 15 kidnap incident in Otukpo, with the rescue of some victims and the arrest of seven suspects, following a joint security operation.
The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, in a statement issued in Makurdi, through the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said operatives of the command and sister security agencies launched a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and adjoining areas, leading to the rescue of some of the abducted passengers who are now receiving medical attention.
Emenari also disclosed that intelligence gathered during the operation also led to the arrest of seven suspects who are currently in police custody, while investigations continue.
The commissioner clarified the reports circulating in sections of the media that the victims were part of a convoy conveying students for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, describing it as incorrect.
He explained that the victims were passengers in a Makurdi-bound bus and were not confirmed to be part of any organised UTME-bound student convoy.
The commissioner assured the public that the command, in collaboration with other security agencies, has intensified efforts to rescue the remaining victims and restore peace in the affected area.
He urged residents to report suspicious activities to the police through the official hotlines 08066006475 and 07067374913 or at the nearest police station.
He also called for continued cooperation with security agencies through the provision of credible and timely information.
Reacting to the development, the General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Alexander Fanafa disclosed that the said trip was unauthorised and conducted in clear violation of the company’s operational guidelines.
Fanafa, in a statement by the Information Officer of the company, Johnson Ehi, explained that there was a standing directive prohibiting all company vehicles from undertaking journeys beyond 6pm due to prevailing security challenges.
He clarified that the driver, acting without the knowledge or approval of management, removed the vehicle from the company’s premises, picked up passengers and embarked on the journey without due documentation or clearance.
According to Fanafa, this breach of protocol made the trip not to be officially recorded, adding that the company currently does not have comprehensive details of the affected passengers, aside from indications that a majority were JAMB candidates.
He explained that the driver involved is presently in police custody and investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
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