By John Umeh
Eight of the passengers rescued from last week’s Benue Links bus abduction have been confirmed as candidates of the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), following a successful security operation that also led to the arrest of seven suspected kidnappers.
The victims were among 18 passengers abducted on April 15, 2026, along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway while travelling to Otukpo to sit for their Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations. They regained their freedom early Sunday after spending about three days in captivity.
The rescued passengers, including three young female candidates, were later presented at the Benue State Government House in Makurdi by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari. They were accompanied by their parents and guardians ahead of their formal reception by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
The victims appeared visibly exhausted after the ordeal, while documentation and medical assessment processes commenced immediately upon their arrival.
Speaking during the presentation, Emenari disclosed that the victims were freed through a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies. He noted that five passengers were earlier released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning.
“With the earlier release of five occupants of the vehicle, the remaining 13 were rescued this morning unhurt,” he said.
The police commissioner also revealed that eight suspects were currently in custody, including seven believed to be militia herdsmen directly linked to the abduction. According to him, some of the victims had already identified the suspects.
“We already have eight suspects in custody, and out of this number, seven are suspected herdsmen bandits connected with the crime. Some of the victims have been able to identify them,” Emenari added.
He further explained that the successful rescue operation followed intensified pressure mounted on the kidnappers after the deployment of a tactical team by the Inspector-General of Police.
The police also confirmed that special operations had been launched across parts of the state to flush out criminal elements hiding in forests and other remote areas.
Receiving the victims, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed relief over the safe return of all 18 passengers, while raising concerns about the growing security challenges in parts of the state.
“Among the victims are eight young people who were heading to Otukpo to write their examinations. On the whole, 18 persons were kidnapped, and I am happy they have all returned safely,” the governor said.
Governor Alia commended security agencies for their swift response and urged the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board to consider rescheduling the examinations for the affected candidates to ensure they do not miss the opportunity.
He also directed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services to conduct thorough medical evaluations for the victims and announced plans for support packages to assist them after their ordeal.
The governor reiterated his administration’s zero tolerance for criminal activities and called on residents to provide timely and useful information to security agencies to help combat insecurity in the state.
