The Benue State Police Command has taken seven suspects into custody over their alleged involvement in the abduction of passengers in Otukpo on April 15.
The command’s spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, disclosed this in a statement issued to journalists in Makurdi on Saturday. She explained that the arrests followed a coordinated operation by the police alongside other security agencies. The exercise included a search-and-rescue mission carried out in Amla Forest and nearby locations.
According to her, the operation also resulted in the rescue of some victims. She noted that those freed are currently receiving medical care, although she did not state their number.
“Further intelligence gathered in the course of the operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, who are currently in police custody while investigation is ongoing.
“The Command also wishes to clarify misinformation circulating in some news media suggesting that the victims were part of a convoy conveying students to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
“The command states that this claim is incorrect, as the victims were not confirmed to be part of any organised UTME-bound student convoy, but passengers in a Makurdi-bound bus,” the statement read.
Udeme also conveyed assurances from the Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, who said the command is working closely with other security agencies to secure the release of those still in captivity.
She urged residents to support ongoing efforts by sharing reliable and timely information with security operatives.
