A daring police operation in Benue State rescued 13 travelers kidnapped during a deadly ambush on April 3, 2025, but the incident claimed three lives, including the driver of a Benue Links passenger bus. The attack, which underscores rising security challenges in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, saw victims abducted into a forest near Otukpo before security forces intervened. Here’s how the tragedy unfolded and what it reveals about regional safety.
The Attack: A Timeline of Terror
- April 3, 2025: A Benue Links bus traveling through the Otukpo Burnt Bricks axis was ambushed by armed assailants.
- Immediate casualties: The driver and one passenger were fatally shot during the initial attack.
- Mass abduction: 14 passengers were dragged into a nearby forest, while injured survivors were rushed to the hospital.
Rescue Operation: A Race Against Time
Benue State Police Command, partnering with the State Civil Protection Guard, launched a manhunt. Key details:
- Forest gunfight: On April 4, security forces tracked the kidnappers and engaged them in a gun duel, forcing the assailants to flee.
- Brutal aftermath: Rescuers found two victims brutally attacked with machetes. Of the 14 recovered, one succumbed to injuries, raising the death toll to three.
- Police statement: SP Sewuese Anene confirmed the toll, adding that survivors are hospitalized.
Aftermath: Grief and a Call for Vigilance
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, mourned the lives lost and vowed justice:
- Manhunt continues: Authorities urge Otukpo residents to report individuals with gunshot wounds, as “many bandits were injured” during the clash.
- Community alert: “Remain vigilant and share actionable intel,” Yabanet appealed, stressing collaboration to curb kidnappings.
Broader Implications: Security in Benue State
This attack highlights persistent threats in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where kidnappings for ransom and communal violence plague states like Benue. While the successful rescue showcases improved inter-agency coordination, critics argue more must be done:
- Weak deterrence: Bandits still exploit rural forests and poor road security.
- Need for tech integration: Drones, surveillance systems, and rapid-response units could prevent future incidents.
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