By Gwurld4026 
14 Benue Links Passengers Rescued by Police in Otukpo
On April 3, 2025, a Benue Links transport bus traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo was attacked by armed assailants near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area. The attackers fatally shot the driver and a front-seat passenger, and abducted the remaining passengers into a nearby forest.
In response, the Benue State Police Command, in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, initiated a search operation. On April 4, 2025, around 3:00 PM, they located the kidnappers and engaged them in a gunfight.
The superior firepower of the police forced the kidnappers to flee, abandoning their captives. Unfortunately, two of the victims had sustained machete wounds prior to the rescue. Fourteen victims were rescued and taken to the hospital, where one was confirmed dead, while the others are receiving treatment.
The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP Steve Yabanet, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. He also urged the residents of Otukpo to report any individuals with gunshot wounds, as some of the kidnappers were injured during the exchange of fire.