Combined security operatives have successfully rescued the remaining 13 passengers abducted by gunmen in Benue State, bringing relief to families and communities affected by the incident.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the development in a text message on Sunday morning, stating that the victims were on their way to Makurdi and that a formal briefing would follow.
“Yes, we’re planning a news conference this morning when they arrive Makurdi,” the police chief said.
The victims were among passengers travelling in a state-owned Benue Links vehicle that was attacked on Wednesday night.
The gunmen reportedly intercepted the bus and abducted several occupants, many of whom were young candidates en route to sit for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Otukpo.
Earlier updates from the police indicated that five victims had been rescued, leaving 13 in captivity before the latest operation secured their release.
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The incident had sparked concern and confusion after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) issued a statement denying that any of its candidates were among those abducted.
However, relatives of the victims challenged that claim, insisting that a significant number of those on board were indeed examination candidates.
One family member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, described JAMB’s position as “disturbing and dismissive.”
“My nephew was on that bus, heading to Otukpo for his examination,” the relative said. “Most of the passengers were candidates. That explains why they travelled that evening—they had exams scheduled for early the next day.”
The rescue operation comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of the country, particularly as national examinations bring increased movement of young candidates across states.
Authorities are expected to provide further details on the operation and the condition of the rescued victims at the scheduled briefing in Makurdi.