SEVEN SUSPECTED HERDSMEN ARRESTED OVER KIDNAP OF JAMB CANDIDATES IN BENUE

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By:Tajudeen Aminat

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers from an 18-seater Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday.

The abducted passengers, including candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) who were en route to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been rescued successfully.

Briefing Governor Hyacinth Alia in Makurdi during the presentation of the freed victims, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, said the rescue was made possible through a coordinated operation involving multiple security agencies.

According to him, five of the abducted passengers were initially released, while the remaining 13 were rescued on Sunday morning.

“With the earlier release of five occupants of the vehicle, the remaining 13 were rescued this Sunday morning unhurt,” Emenari stated.

He attributed the success of the operation to the support of Governor Hyacinth Alia and the Inspector-General of Police, noting that the deployment of an IGP tactical team helped intensify pressure on the kidnappers.

“That is why we were able to mount pressure on the bandits to ensure the victims’ safe return,” he added.

The police commissioner further disclosed that eight suspects are currently in custody, seven of whom are believed to be directly linked to the kidnapping.

“We already have eight suspects in our custody, and out of this number, seven are suspected herdsmen bandits connected with the crime. Some of the victims have been able to identify them,” he said.

He also revealed that security forces have launched special clearance operations across the state to flush out criminal elements hiding in forest areas, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police and the state government.

Receiving the rescued passengers, Governor Hyacinth Alia expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping in the state but welcomed the safe recovery of all 18 victims.

He said, “Among the victims are eight young people who were heading to Otukpo to write their examinations. On the whole, 18 persons were kidnapped, and I am happy to hear that they have all returned safely. I am also pleased that seven suspected herdsmen bandits have been arrested over the incident.”

The governor appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to consider rescheduling the examination for the affected candidates.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting victims and maintaining a strong stance against criminal activities.

Governor Alia also called on residents to provide credible information to security agencies and instructed the Commissioner for Health and Human Services to ensure proper medical evaluation for all the rescued individuals.

He further assured that the government would introduce support measures for the affected passengers.