Police co-opt vigilantes, youths to rescue 13 Benue Links passengers, Council Chair commends Alia for providing logistics support for operation
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Security personnel have rescued 13 passengers of Benue Transport Company, also called Benue Links, abducted at Eke in Okpokwu Council of Benue, as confirmed on Sunday by Council Chairman Adah Inalegwu and Benue Links Information Officer Ehi Johnson, a week after they were grabbed by terrorists.
Inalegwu disclosed that a joint operation by the police and vigilantes in the area led to the rescue of two abductees on Saturday, and Benue and Kogi youths combined to put pressure on the kidnappers, which led to them abandoning the remaining eleven victims at Oando village at about 4pm on Sunday.
He commended Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia for providing the logistics for improved security surveillance and tracking that facilitated the rescue of the victims, who are being profiled before they are reunited with their families.
The bus, which departed Abeokuta in Ogun en route Makurdi in Benue, was waylaid by gunmen at Eke at about 6.30 pm on June 22.
Benue Police Command disclosed earlier that it deployed combined security forces and drones in the rescue operation, and it was learnt that the rescued victims were received at Okpokwu Divisional Police Station, from where two of them in critical conditions were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.
“We have information that the passengers have been released but the report is still sketchy, more information will be made available to the public soon,” Johnson said.
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