The Benue State Police Command has launched an aerial and ground rescue mission using drones and security reinforcements to locate 12 individuals—11 passengers and a driver—who were abducted by armed men on Sunday evening in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
The victims were traveling aboard a Benue Links transport bus from Abeokuta, Ogun State, to Makurdi when they were intercepted by gunmen near Eke, along the Otukpo-Otukpa-Enugu highway. Witnesses reported that the attackers robbed the passengers and led them into the nearby forest. Only one person managed to escape and alerted the Eke Police Station.
Benue Links confirmed the incident in a public statement, revealing that the bus was later found abandoned by the roadside with some passengers’ belongings still inside.
State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Udeme Edet, confirmed that a combined team of police officers, military personnel, and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards were immediately mobilized to the area. One escapee, identified as Paul Terna, was rescued.
Police Commissioner Ifeanyi Emenari has since relocated to the scene to personally coordinate the ongoing search-and-rescue efforts.
“We have deployed drones to enhance aerial surveillance and improve chances of locating the abductees swiftly,” Edet said.
