The Commissioner for Power, Energy, and Transport in Benue state, Omale Omale, confirmed that suspected kidnappers have seized 10 passengers traveling on two commercially-operated buses owned by the Benue state government en route from Makurdi to Lagos. Omale stated that the incident occurred on Sunday afternoon as the two buses, bearing the Benue Links Transport logo, were nearing Okene, Kogi state.
According to Omale, “The kidnappers intercepted the two buses near Okene, Kogi state, and abducted four passengers from one bus and six from the other, making a total of ten passengers abducted on Sunday.”
The commissioner noted that it was the combined efforts of the police and a local vigilante group that led to the rescue of the remaining passengers in the two buses. The drivers were also assessed as fit to continue their journey to Lagos.
Omale added that the kidnappers have already established contact with the families of the victims and are demanding various sums of money. The Benue state police force is collaborating with their counterparts in Kogi to secure the release of those abducted.
The Benue state police command stated that they do not have the jurisdiction to comment on the matter as it occurred in Kogi state.