The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the hijacking of a Benue Links commercial vehicle and the abduction of its passengers by armed men on Sunday evening.
According to a statement issued Monday morning by the State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Edet Udeme, the incident occurred along the Otukpo-Otukpa highway and involved a Hummer bus bearing registration number 14B-143BN.
The vehicle was later discovered abandoned at Ugbokolo, in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
“Upon receiving the distress information, police tactical teams, in collaboration with the military and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, swiftly mobilised to the scene,” the PPRO said.
One of the passengers, identified as Paul Terns, was rescued during a coordinated search of the nearby forest after he reportedly escaped from the kidnappers’ custody.
The police spokesperson stated that additional operatives have been deployed to the area to intensify the manhunt and ensure the safe recovery of the remaining abductees.
The command also appealed to residents to stay calm and support the investigation efforts.
