Gunmen have abducted 14 passengers travelling along the Otukpo–Adoka road in Benue State, with the police confirming that five of the victims have so far been rescued.The incident occurred on Thursday night when an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja was reportedly ambushed along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area.A resident, Ochai, who spoke with our correspondent on Friday, said the gunmen forced all the passengers into the surrounding forest.Ochai said, “Some gunmen ambushed an 18-seater bus heading to Abuja between Omutele and Ankpechi along Otukpo -Adola road yesterday (Thursday) night.“All the passengers in the vehicle were whisked away by the gunmen.”Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi, said the police launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday.Aondongu said the operation involved an exchange of gunfire between the security operatives and the kidnappers.The police boss said, “The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident involving a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of 13 August 2026.Related NewsUS missionary regains freedom after nine months in Niger captivityKidnap gang member arrested over N1.6m AK-47 purchase in KwaraState police: More details, please“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (Friday) morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.”The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. The incident occurred on Thursday night when an 18-seater commercial bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja was reportedly ambushed along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area.A resident, Ochai, who spoke with our correspondent on Friday, said the gunmen forced all the passengers into the surrounding forest.Ochai said, “Some gunmen ambushed an 18-seater bus heading to Abuja between Omutele and Ankpechi along Otukpo -Adola road yesterday (Thursday) night.“All the passengers in the vehicle were whisked away by the gunmen.”Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi, said the police launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday.Aondongu said the operation involved an exchange of gunfire between the security operatives and the kidnappers.The police boss said, “The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident involving a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of 13 August 2026.Related NewsUS missionary regains freedom after nine months in Niger captivityKidnap gang member arrested over N1.6m AK-47 purchase in KwaraState police: More details, please“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (Friday) morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.”The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. A resident, Ochai, who spoke with our correspondent on Friday, said the gunmen forced all the passengers into the surrounding forest.Ochai said, “Some gunmen ambushed an 18-seater bus heading to Abuja between Omutele and Ankpechi along Otukpo -Adola road yesterday (Thursday) night.“All the passengers in the vehicle were whisked away by the gunmen.”Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi, said the police launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday.Aondongu said the operation involved an exchange of gunfire between the security operatives and the kidnappers.The police boss said, “The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident involving a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of 13 August 2026.Related NewsUS missionary regains freedom after nine months in Niger captivityKidnap gang member arrested over N1.6m AK-47 purchase in KwaraState police: More details, please“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (Friday) morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.”The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. Ochai said, “Some gunmen ambushed an 18-seater bus heading to Abuja between Omutele and Ankpechi along Otukpo -Adola road yesterday (Thursday) night.“All the passengers in the vehicle were whisked away by the gunmen.”Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi, said the police launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday.Aondongu said the operation involved an exchange of gunfire between the security operatives and the kidnappers.The police boss said, “The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident involving a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of 13 August 2026.Related NewsUS missionary regains freedom after nine months in Niger captivityKidnap gang member arrested over N1.6m AK-47 purchase in KwaraState police: More details, please“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (Friday) morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.”The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. “All the passengers in the vehicle were whisked away by the gunmen.”Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi, said the police launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday.Aondongu said the operation involved an exchange of gunfire between the security operatives and the kidnappers.The police boss said, “The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident involving a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of 13 August 2026.Related NewsUS missionary regains freedom after nine months in Niger captivityKidnap gang member arrested over N1.6m AK-47 purchase in KwaraState police: More details, please“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (Friday) morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.”The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, in a statement made available to journalists in Makurdi, said the police launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday.Aondongu said the operation involved an exchange of gunfire between the security operatives and the kidnappers.The police boss said, “The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident involving a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of 13 August 2026.Related NewsUS missionary regains freedom after nine months in Niger captivityKidnap gang member arrested over N1.6m AK-47 purchase in KwaraState police: More details, please“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (Friday) morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.”The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. Aondongu said the operation involved an exchange of gunfire between the security operatives and the kidnappers.The police boss said, “The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident involving a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of 13 August 2026.Related NewsUS missionary regains freedom after nine months in Niger captivityKidnap gang member arrested over N1.6m AK-47 purchase in KwaraState police: More details, please“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (Friday) morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.”The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. The police boss said, “The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident involving a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of 13 August 2026.Related NewsUS missionary regains freedom after nine months in Niger captivityKidnap gang member arrested over N1.6m AK-47 purchase in KwaraState police: More details, please“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (Friday) morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.”The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. “Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (Friday) morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.”The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. The police spokesperson disclosed that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. He said the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. According to Aondongu, the operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the abducted passengers prioritised.The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the victims’ families and members of the public that efforts would continue until the remaining passengers were rescued.He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. He urged residents of the affected communities to remain vigilant and provide security agencies with credible information that could aid the rescue operation.The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks. The latest incident comes amid growing concerns over insecurity in Otukpo and Ohimini local government areas, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnappings in recent weeks.