Police arrest seven over Benue UTME candidates abduction

The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with the abduction of passengers, including travellers heading for the UTME, along the Makurdi–Otukpo road.

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Police spokesperson Udeme Edet said the arrests followed a joint security operation in Amla Forest and nearby areas, where some victims were also rescued and taken for medical care.

“The operation has led to the successful rescue of some of the victims, who are currently receiving medical attention. Further intelligence led to the arrest of seven suspects,” she said.

The development marks a fresh breakthrough in the incident that occurred on 15 April, when gunmen attacked a Benue Links bus along the Benue Burnt Bricks axis in Otukpo Local Government Area.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reports that about 14 passengers were abducted after the attackers intercepted the vehicle at night, robbing occupants before taking them into the bush.

The bus was said to be carrying about 18 passengers, many of them travelling to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

In the days following the attack, two victims were reported to have escaped, while families of some passengers raised concerns, including reports that two teenage siblings were among those taken.

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The police, however, clarified that contrary to earlier claims, the victims were not part of any organised convoy of students travelling for the examination but passengers on a Makurdi-bound commercial bus.

READ ALSO: Two abducted UTME passengers escape in Benue

Authorities had earlier confirmed that the driver of the vehicle was arrested for violating company policy by embarking on an unauthorised night journey and picking up passengers without a formal manifest.

Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari said operations were ongoing, with tactical teams working across forest areas to locate the remaining victims and dismantle the criminal network behind the attack.

The command urged residents to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information, as security agencies continue coordinated operations to restore safety along the route.