Leadnaija
Benue State Police Command has rescued 14 Kidnapped Benue Links Transport Company Passengers who were attacked at the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area while traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo.
In a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Sewuese Anneni, indicated that the police in collaboration with Benue State Civil Protection Guards swiftly moved to the scene of the incident shortly after receiving information.
“A Toyota Hiace Bus belonging to Benue Links Transport Company was conveying passengers from Makurdi to Otukpo, on reaching the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area, a gang of armed kidnappers shot sporadically at the driver and a passenger at the front seat, causing the driver to stop on the high way.”
“Upon receipt of this information, the police and Benue State Civil Protection Guards swiftly moved to the scene and found the driver and one passenger who sustained gunshots injuries in the vehicle while others were whisked away by the kidnappers. The injured were conveyed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by the doctor.”
According to the PPRO, the team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest where they sighted the kidnappers and engaged them in a gun duel, asserting that the superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels, abandoning their captives.
The Commissioner of Police Benue State, CP Steve Yabanet, commiserated with the families of the three passengers who lost their lives during the incident, assuring that he will bring the perpetrators to book.
