Benue police arrest seven over Otukpo abduction, rescue victims

Police in Benue State say seven people have been arrested in connection with the abduction of passengers in Otukpo earlier this week, as security forces continue efforts to locate other victims.

The Benue State Police Command said the arrests followed a joint operation involving multiple security agencies and a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and surrounding areas.

Police spokesperson DSP Edet Udeme said some of those abducted during the 15 April incident had been rescued and were receiving medical care. She did not specify how many had been freed.

She added that intelligence gathered during the operation led to the arrest of the suspects, who remain in custody while investigations continue.

The police also dismissed reports suggesting the victims were part of a convoy transporting candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

According to Ms Udeme, those abducted were passengers travelling in a bus bound for Makurdi, and not part of any organised group of students.

The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said security agencies were intensifying efforts to rescue those still being held.

He urged residents to provide timely and credible information to support ongoing operations.