Police Arrest Seven Suspects Over Benue Bus Abduction
The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven suspects linked to the kidnapping of passengers from a Benue Links commercial bus in Otukpo Local Government Area and says efforts are ongoing to rescue remaining victims still in captivity.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when gunmen attacked a Makurdi-bound bus, robbed passengers and whisked several of them into the bush.
The arrests were announced on Friday following what authorities described as a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.
Police spokesperson Udeme Edet described the development as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle the kidnapping network behind the attack.
“The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough following the kidnapping incident that occurred on 15th April, 2026 in Otukpo,” the statement said.
“Further intelligence gathered in the course of the operation led to the arrest of seven (7) suspects, who are currently in police custody while investigation is ongoing.”
The command confirmed that some of the abducted passengers have been rescued alive and are currently receiving medical attention.
It also stated that at least two victims managed to escape from the kidnappers during the incident.
There has been confusion over the number of abducted passengers, with reports putting the figure at about 17, while the police insist 14 people were taken and one escaped during the attack.
The police also dismissed claims that some of the victims were candidates travelling for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, describing the reports as misinformation.
The command clarified that the victims were ordinary passengers on a Makurdi-bound bus and not part of any organised UTME convoy.
It added that preliminary investigations have placed the bus driver under scrutiny for alleged violations of operational procedures, including night travel and picking passengers outside approved guidelines.
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