Fifteen passengers abducted in Benue State have been rescued unharmed, Governor Hyacinth Alia has confirmed.

Speaking on Sunday at a joint briefing with the state’s Police Commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari, at Government House in Makurdi, the governor said the victims were among 17 people kidnapped on Wednesday, 15 April, along the Taraku–Otukpo road. 

Two of those abducted had earlier escaped, leaving 15 who were later freed by security forces.

Among those rescued are eight candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Governor Alia urged the examination body to make special arrangements for them to sit their tests, assuring that the state government would provide full support.

He added that the victims would receive free medical care and directed the Ministry of Education to ensure their academic activities are not disrupted.

Reaffirming his administration’s stance on security, the governor said criminal activity would not be tolerated in the state and commended security agencies for their role in the operation.

Mr Emenari disclosed that eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction. He said seven of them have been linked, through credible evidence, to the incident and other kidnappings in the area.

The police commissioner attributed the successful rescue to a coordinated security effort, with support from the Inspector-General of Police and the Benue State Government.