Victims of a recent abduction involving passengers travelling through Benue State have begun recounting their traumatic experiences after security agencies launched rescue operations that led to the release of some captives.
The incident, which occurred along the road leading to Otukpo, involved an 18-passenger commercial bus intercepted by armed men believed to be kidnappers. Several passengers were taken into the bush, while others managed to escape or were later rescued.
One of the survivors, identified simply as Francis, shared his account of how the attackers stopped the vehicle, assaulted passengers, and marched them into the forest.
How the Attack Happened
According to Francis, the bus was travelling toward Otukpo on Thursday evening when the attackers struck around 8 p.m.
He said many of the passengers were heading to Otukpo to participate in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Francis said he was personally returning from a police recruitment screening exercise in Makurdi when the vehicle came under attack.
Recounting the incident, he said the bus had just left Taraku and was approaching a bend on the road when five armed men suddenly blocked the route.
According to him, the attackers were carrying AK-47 rifles and long knives.
Driver Reportedly Disappeared
Francis claimed that as soon as the gunmen stopped the vehicle, the driver disappeared.
He said the passengers were ordered to come down immediately and were beaten by the attackers.
The kidnappers allegedly demanded to know the whereabouts of the driver, but passengers said they did not know where he had gone.
Despite their response, the armed men reportedly continued assaulting the passengers before forcing them to move into the bush.
The claim about the driver’s disappearance has not been independently confirmed by authorities.
Victims Robbed of Valuables
Francis further stated that the abductors collected money and personal belongings from the passengers before leading them deeper into the forest.
He said the attackers appeared cautious while moving through the area, avoiding the use of torchlights whenever they passed close to nearby settlements.
According to him, the kidnappers dimmed their lights while moving near communities around Otukpo, likely to avoid attracting attention.
How Francis Escaped
Francis said he eventually found an opportunity to escape when the group was moving through dense vegetation.
He explained that he quietly hid in the bush while the kidnappers and other captives walked past.
Once they had gone ahead, he ran in search of safety.
He said he had no idea where the road was but kept running through the night until he eventually found a road and continued on foot.
According to his account, he ran from about 8 p.m. until approximately 4 a.m., when he reached Otukpo Nobi and met local residents on their way to work.
He said those residents later assisted him.
Police Confirm Rescue of Five Victims
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed that five people had so far been freed following the abduction.
According to the police chief, the main priority remains rescuing all remaining passengers still in captivity.
He explained that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact identities of those abducted and whether any of them were candidates travelling for the UTME.
Emenari said the rescued individuals did not immediately identify themselves as JAMB candidates during debriefing, although police suspect some of those still missing may include examination candidates.
Thirteen Victims Still Missing
The police commissioner disclosed that the commercial bus was carrying 18 passengers at the time of the incident.
He explained that five people are currently safe because three passengers were not taken by the kidnappers, while two others escaped.
That leaves 13 people believed to still be in the forest with the abductors.
According to him, security teams have been deployed to the Otukpo axis and will continue operations until all remaining victims are rescued.
Growing Concern Over Highway Insecurity
The latest incident has once again raised concerns about insecurity on Nigerian highways, particularly routes linking rural communities and major towns.
Kidnappings targeting commuters have remained a serious challenge in several parts of the country, with travellers often attacked on isolated roads.
Benue State has also faced repeated security challenges involving banditry, communal violence, and attacks on farming communities.
The abduction of passengers including individuals reportedly travelling for official screening and educational examinations has intensified calls for stronger road security measures.
Impact on Students and Families
Reports that some passengers were heading to sit for the UTME have added another emotional dimension to the incident.
For many Nigerian families, the UTME is a critical examination that determines admission into tertiary institutions.
Any disruption to candidates travelling for the test can have serious academic and financial consequences.
Although police say it is not yet confirmed how many candidates were involved, the possibility has increased public concern.
Security Agencies Continue Search
Authorities say rescue efforts are ongoing, with security operatives combing forests and surrounding areas in search of the remaining victims.
Police have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators by sharing useful information that may aid the operation.
No group has officially claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.
