By Ijeoma Obioma.
Twelve passengers kidnapped from a government-owned Benue Links commercial bus have regained their freedom after spending seven harrowing days in the hands of armed abductors.
The victims were seized on June 22, 2025, when their bus was ambushed by gunmen near Eke in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
Our correspondent recalls that the vehicle, bearing registration number 14B-143BN, was en route from Abeokuta, Ogun State, to Makurdi when the attack occurred.
Sources say the kidnapped passengers were released on Sunday afternoon under undisclosed circumstances and received at the Okpokwu Divisional Police Station.
Two of the victims, described as being in a fragile condition, were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention.
Ehi Johnson, spokesperson for Benue Links Transport Company, confirmed the release but stated that details surrounding the circumstances of their freedom remained sketchy.
“We are grateful they’re back safely. At the moment, we’re still gathering information and will update the public as soon as we can,” Johnson said.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command had not yet received a formal briefing on the release but was working to obtain more information.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
