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Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, on Sunday, April 19, 2026, received passengers rescued from a Benue Links bus kidnapping incident, praising the security agencies for their swift and coordinated intervention.
The victims were abducted on April 15 at about 8 p.m. along the Taraku-Otukpo axis while travelling in the commercial bus. A total of 18 passengers were on board at the time of the attack, with 15 abducted. One victim escaped on the same day, another the following morning, while the remaining 13 were rescued in the early hours of Sunday from forest hideouts.
Eight of the rescued victims were students heading to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations. Governor Alia appealed to the examination body to make special arrangements to accommodate the affected candidates so they do not lose their chance to write the exams.
The governor commended the Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi, and all joint security operatives for what he described as sustained pressure that led to the victims’ freedom. The rescue operation involved a collaborative effort by the police, military, Department of State Services, Civil Defence, and local vigilantes, acting on directives from the Inspector General of Police.
CP Emenari Ifeanyi confirmed that all abducted passengers had regained their freedom. He added that clearance operations have been intensified in criminal hideouts, including the Amla Forest and other flashpoints across the state, especially as the farming season approaches.
Governor Alia reiterated his administration’s resolve to rid the state of criminal elements. “We will flush out all criminal elements and their hideouts. Benue has been a place of peace, and we cannot accommodate anything contrary,” he stated. He also directed the State Ministry of Health to ensure the rescued victims receive immediate medical care at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital.
Seven suspected kidnappers, described as armed bandits, have been arrested and are currently in police custody.
The governor’s reception of the victims at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, underscored the state government’s commitment to supporting affected citizens while reinforcing ongoing efforts to restore safety and normalcy across Benue State.
