The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, has disclosed that the 8 abducted Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates and 7 other victims has regained their freedom.
CP Ifeanyi disclosed this while presenting the kidnapped victims to the Governor Hyacinth Alia at the government house, Makurdi on Sunday.
As earlier reported, 15 passengers, including 8 UTME candidates, of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, a state-owned transport company, were abducted along the Makurdi-Otukpo Road on 15th April, 2026.
According To Leadership, the state commissioner of Police disclosed that all the passengers had regained their freedom following coordinated rescue operations.
He said the operation involved a joint effort by the police, the military, the Department of State Services (DSS), the Civil Defence, local vigilantes and other stakeholders, under the directive of the inspector-general of police.
In his remarks, Governor Alia thanked the commissioner and his team for the return of the victims and re-iterated his commitment for the security of the state.
“I congratulate the Commissioner of Police and the joint task force for these tremendous efforts.”
“We will flush out all criminal elements and their hideouts. Benue has been a place of peace, and we cannot accommodate anything contrary,” he stated.
The governor also appealed to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to make special arrangements to enable the rescued students take the UTME.
