(Gunmen. Photo by Premuim Times)
G3nmen have @b3uctd 14 passengers travelling along a road in Benue State, with police confirming that five victims have been rescued thus far.
The incident occurred Thursday night when an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Enugu State toward Abuja was reportedly @tt@ck£d along a road section in Ohimini Local Government Area.
A resident disclosed that g3nmen compelled all passengers from the vehicle into the surrounding forest.
The individual stated that armed attackers @mb@sh£d the bus heading toward Abuja between two communities along the route Thursday night, with all passengers taken away by the assailants.
Law enforcement confirmed the @b3uction incident, stating that police launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday morning.
The operation involved an exchange of gunfire between security operatives and the @tt@ck£rs.
Five victims, including a four-year-old child, were successfully rescued during the engagement, whilst nine others remain in custody of the suspected perpetrators.
One of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot wound during the operation and was transported to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.
Law enforcement working with other security agencies intensified efforts to secure the remaining nine captives’ release.
The operation proceeded cautiously, prioritising the safety of the abducted passengers.
The state’s Police Commissioner assured the victims’ families and the public that rescue efforts would persist until the remaining passengers were recovered.
He urged residents of affected communities to remain alert and furnish security agencies with credible information supporting the rescue operation.
The latest incident reflects mounting concerns regarding insecurity in the local government areas, where residents have documented multiple k!llings and @b3uctions in recent weeks.
