Eleven passengers and a driver who were abducted in Benue State have regained their freedom after spending one week in captivity. The victims, who were traveling on a Benue Links transport vehicle, were kidnapped at Eke Elegbencho in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
The abduction occurred last week as the bus was traveling through the region. The assailants reportedly stopped the vehicle, forcibly removed all the occupants, and took them into a nearby forested area. The incident sparked widespread concern across the state and prompted calls for swift action from both security agencies and the state government.
Authorities confirmed on Monday, July 1, that all twelve individuals—eleven passengers and the bus driver—had been released. The details surrounding their release, including whether a ransom was paid or if a rescue operation took place, have not been officially disclosed.
The victims were reportedly in good health, although some are said to be receiving medical checkups as a precaution. Their identities have not been released to the public, and officials have asked for privacy as the victims reunite with their families.
The kidnapping raised alarm among residents and travelers in Benue State, particularly those who frequently use inter-state commercial transportation. The Benue Links bus service, owned by the state government, is one of the primary means of public transport in the region. The safety of its passengers is typically seen as a reflection of broader security conditions in the area.
Following the abduction, local security forces, including the police and other security agencies, reportedly launched coordinated efforts to locate and rescue the hostages. It remains unclear whether negotiations were part of the process or if military pressure led to the kidnappers releasing the captives.
Officials have not yet made a formal statement about the identity of the kidnappers or the motive behind the abduction. However, the area where the incident occurred has seen an increase in criminal activity in recent years, including similar kidnappings and armed robberies. This latest incident has intensified public demands for increased security presence along major roads in the state.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has yet to issue a personal statement regarding the release, but government sources confirmed that the administration was involved in efforts to secure the safe return of the abductees. The governor had previously vowed to improve security across the state, particularly in areas vulnerable to attacks by bandits and other criminal groups.
Family members of the released victims have expressed relief and gratitude over the news. Several had gathered at the Benue Links headquarters during the week to demand updates and plead with authorities for faster action. For days, their pleas echoed the growing frustration among citizens who feel that insecurity is disrupting normal life in the state.
Security experts have warned that unless proactive measures are taken, incidents like this could continue to affect both local and inter-state transportation. They advocate for increased surveillance, better funding of local security outfits, and improved coordination between community vigilantes and official agencies.
The Nigerian police have assured the public that investigations are ongoing to identify the perpetrators and bring them to justice. They also urged travelers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, especially in high-risk areas like Okpokwu Local Government Area.
While the safe return of the victims is a significant relief, the incident underscores the persistent threat of abductions in Nigeria, particularly in states that lie along major transport corridors. The government is expected to announce new measures in the coming days aimed at strengthening transport security and restoring public confidence.
