13 Kidnapped Benue Links Passengers Rescued in Dramatic Joint Police-Vigilante Operation in Okpokwu LGA

In a major breakthrough against rising kidnapping incidents in Benue State, security operatives and local vigilantes successfully rescued all 13 passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus in Eke market area of Okpokwu Local Government Area.

The daring rescue operation was confirmed on Sunday, June 29, by the Okpokwu LGA Chairman, Adah Inalegwu.

According to the council boss, combined teams of police officers and community vigilantes launched intensive search-and-rescue missions deep into surrounding forests, mounting sustained pressure on the armed kidnappers.

The operation gained momentum over the weekend:

Two victims were released on Saturday

On Sunday around 4:00 pm, the remaining 11 passengers were abandoned by the fleeing kidnappers in Oando village following additional reinforcement from youth groups in neighboring Kogi State.

Chairman Inalegwu praised Governor Hyacinth Alia for providing critical logistical support that boosted tracking and operational effectiveness of the security teams.

All 13 rescued victims are currently undergoing debriefing and medical checks before being reunited with their families.

The incident occurred last week when gunmen suspected to be bandits ambushed the Benue State-owned transport bus along the Okpokwu route, forcing passengers into the bush at gunpoint.

This successful rescue comes amid growing concerns over highway kidnapping and bandit attacks in Benue and neighboring North-Central states. Local authorities have vowed to intensify security patrols to prevent future abductions.