Governor Alia Receives Rescued Benue Links Passengers, Vows Crackdown On Insecurity

By Isaac Uzaan

Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia has commended security agencies for the successful rescue of passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity across the state.

The governor gave the commendation on Sunday, 19th April 2026, while receiving the rescued victims at the Old Banquet Hall of Government House, Makurdi, following their release from captivity.

Speaking on the incident, Governor Alia expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police and other security operatives for their “efforts and determination” in securing the victims’ freedom.

He disclosed that the passengers were kidnapped on April 15 at about 8 p.m. along the Taraku–Otukpo axis, noting that security agencies had worked tirelessly since then to ensure their safe return.

“I congratulate the Commissioner of Police and the joint task force for these tremendous efforts,” the governor said, adding that recent operations had recorded multiple rescues across the state, including victims in Katsina-Ala, Utonkon, and other troubled areas.

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Providing details, Alia explained that 18 passengers were on board the vehicle, out of which 15 were abducted. One victim escaped on the day of the incident, another the following morning, while the remaining 13 were successfully rescued by security operatives with support from local communities.

Among the victims, the governor noted, were eight students travelling to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.

He appealed to JAMB authorities to make special arrangements to enable the affected candidates sit for their exams, assuring them of government support.

Governor Alia further revealed that seven suspected kidnappers have been arrested and are currently in police custody, describing them as armed bandits.

While commending the collaboration between state and federal security agencies, Governor Alia stressed that his administration would not tolerate any threat to peace in Benue.

“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.

The governor also directed the State Ministry of Health to ensure the rescued victims receive immediate medical attention at the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, while urging communities to continue supporting security efforts through timely information sharing.

Earlier, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, CP Emenari Ifeanyi confirmed that all passengers had regained freedom following coordinated rescue operations.

He said the operation involved a joint effort of the police, military, Department of State Services, Civil Defence, local vigilantes, and other stakeholders, under the directive of the Inspector General of Police.

According to him, the last batch of 13 victims was rescued in the early hours of Sunday after sustained pressure on the kidnappers within the forest.

He added that seven suspects linked to the crime have been identified and are in custody, with ongoing investigations to apprehend other accomplices.

The police commissioner further disclosed that security agencies have intensified clearance operations across known flashpoints, including the Amla Forest and other parts of the state, to dismantle criminal networks and secure communities, especially as the farming season begins.

He assured residents that security forces remain on top of the situation, emphasizing that sustained joint operations would continue to rid the state of banditry and related crimes.