Alia meets rescued Benue Links passengers, declares war on insecurity

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has praised security operatives for securing the release of passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway, reiterating his administration’s resolve to confront insecurity head-on.

The governor made this known on Sunday, April 19, 2026, when he welcomed the freed victims at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House in Makurdi after their ordeal in captivity.

Reacting to the development, Alia lauded the Commissioner of Police and other security personnel for their “efforts and determination” in ensuring the victims regained freedom.

He revealed that the incident occurred on April 15 at about 8 p.m. along the Taraku–Otukpo axis, adding that security agencies had remained relentless in their operations until the victims were safely recovered.

“I congratulate the Commissioner of Police and the joint task force for these tremendous efforts,” the governor said, noting that similar rescue missions had been successful in areas such as Katsina-Ala and Utonkon.

Giving further insight, the governor stated that 18 passengers were initially on the bus, with 15 taken by the attackers. He explained that one person escaped the same day, another the following morning, while the remaining 13 were later rescued through joint efforts involving security forces and local communities.

Among those affected, he said, were eight students heading to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.

He appealed to the examination body to consider special arrangements for the affected candidates, assuring them of the state government’s backing.

Alia also disclosed that seven suspected kidnappers have been apprehended and are currently in custody, describing them as armed bandits.

While commending the synergy between state and federal security agencies, the governor maintained that his government would not allow insecurity to thrive.

“We will flush out all criminal elements and their hideouts. Benue has been a place of peace, and we cannot accommodate anything contrary,” he stated.

He further directed the State Ministry of Health to ensure the rescued victims receive prompt medical care at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, and urged residents to support security agencies with credible information.

Earlier, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Emenari Ifeanyi, confirmed that all abducted passengers had been freed following coordinated rescue operations.

According to him, the mission involved a joint effort by the police, military, Department of State Services, Civil Defence, and local vigilantes, carried out under the directive of the Inspector General of Police.

He explained that the final group of 13 victims was rescued in the early hours of Sunday after sustained pressure was mounted on the kidnappers within the forest.

The police chief added that seven suspects linked to the crime are already in custody, while investigations are ongoing to track down other accomplices.

He also disclosed that security forces have intensified clearance operations in identified hotspots, including Amla Forest and surrounding areas, to dismantle criminal groups and safeguard communities, particularly as the farming season approaches.

Ifeanyi reassured residents of the state that security agencies remain firmly in control and will sustain joint operations to eliminate banditry and related crimes.