Two passengers abducted by gunmen along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State have escaped from their abductors and are now safely with the police as security agencies intensify efforts to rescue others still held.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the development on Friday, adding that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident.
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The victims were among passengers attacked on Wednesday evening when a Benue Links bus was ambushed along the Benue Burnt Bricks axis in Otukpo Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson Udeme Edet said investigations identified the vehicle as a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Benue Links, noting that tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, have been deployed to track the abductors.
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“The Command has deployed several tactical teams and is working with other agencies to ensure the safe return of the victims,” she said.
The latest update comes days after the police confirmed that 14 passengers were abducted during the attack, many of them believed to be young people travelling to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Eyewitnesses had said the bus, carrying about 18 passengers, was intercepted around 8 p.m., with the attackers robbing occupants before taking them into the bush. Two persons, including the driver, initially escaped.
Authorities have since clarified that not all passengers on board were UTME candidates, contrary to earlier reports.
Meanwhile, the police and the management of Benue Links have both confirmed that the driver is in custody for violating company policy by embarking on an unauthorised night journey.
The company’s General Manager, Alexander Fanafa, said the driver picked up passengers after official hours without a formal manifest, exposing them to risk.
The abduction has drawn widespread concern, including reactions from the North Central Development Commission, which condemned the incident and called for the immediate release of the victims.
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Families of some of those abducted have also raised alarm, with one reporting that two teenage brothers travelling for the examination were among those taken.
Security operatives are continuing search operations in surrounding forests, as authorities maintain that efforts are underway to rescue the remaining victims and bring those responsible to justice.
