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Operatives of the Benue State Police Command rescued five kidnap victims—including a four-year-old boy—following a gun battle with abductors in the early hours of Friday.
Armed assailants ambushed a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis in Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of August 13.
In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, on Friday, August 14, 2026, the command initiated a coordinated rescue operation that led to a fierce exchange of gunfire with the suspects.
While officers successfully freed five passengers, nine victims remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.
One of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot wound during the operation, and emergency responders immediately rushed him to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.
Police personnel, working alongside sister security agencies, are actively intensifying operations to secure the release of the remaining nine hostages.
Authorities emphasised that officers are conducting the mission with utmost caution to safeguard the victims’ lives.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, acknowledged public anxiety and reassured affected families that “concerted efforts are being made to secure the safe rescue of those still in captivity.”
The Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and report credible information to assist ongoing operations.
