A fierce gun battle between security operatives and suspected kidnappers on the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area has led to the rescue of five passengers, including a four-year-old boy.
The victims were among passengers abducted on the night of Wednesday, 13th August 2026, from a commercial bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Orchia Peter Aondongu, disclosed this in a statement issued Thursday, 14th August 2026.
According to him, operatives of the Benue State Police Command launched a coordinated rescue operation early Thursday morning.
The operation, DSP Aondongu said, involved an exchange of gunfire with the abductors, leading to the rescue of five victims.
One of the five rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the rescue operation and was immediately rushed to a medical facility in Otukpo, where he is currently receiving medical attention the PPRO stated.
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He confirmed that nine other passengers remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.
DSP Aondongu said operatives of the Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, are intensifying efforts to secure the release of the remaining nine victims.
The operation is being conducted with utmost caution, with the lives and safety of the victims as the primary objective,” he said.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus C.N. Nwadiogbu, acknowledged the concerns of the families and the public.
He assured that “concerted efforts are being made to secure the safe rescue of those still in captivity.”
The CP urged residents within and around the affected communities to remain calm and vigilant and to provide credible information to aid the operation.
The Command said it will continue to provide updates as developments unfold.
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(Editor: Ebuwa Omo-Osagie)
