12 abducted Benue links passengers freed after one week

Twelve passengers who were kidnapped from a Benue Links commercial bus in Benue State have regained their freedom after spending a week in captivity.

The victims were released around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday and were received by security personnel at the Okpokwu Divisional Police Station. Two of the passengers were reportedly in need of urgent medical care and were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The passengers were abducted on June 22, 2025, while travelling along the Eke axis of Okpokwu Local Government Area. The bus, bearing registration number 14B-143BN and operated by the Benue State-owned Benue Links Transport Company, was reportedly attacked around 6:30 p.m. The assailants robbed the passengers and whisked them away to an undisclosed location.

Ehi Johnson, Public Relations Officer of Benue Links, confirmed the release of the abducted passengers on Sunday but said details of their freedom were still unclear. He could not confirm whether a ransom was paid or if the victims were rescued by security agencies.

“They are currently with the police at Ugbokolo in Okpokwu LGA. More details will be shared as they become available,” Johnson stated.

He had earlier confirmed that the bus was travelling from Abeokuta, Ogun State, to Makurdi when it was ambushed.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had not yet received official confirmation regarding the release of the passengers.