The Benue State government has disclosed efforts to rescue 10 passengers kidnapped by gunmen from two Benue Links buses traveling to Lagos on Sunday near Okene, Kogi State.
National Daily Newspaper gathered that the Benue State Commissioner for Power, Energy, and Transport, Omale Omale, in a media interaction, disclosed that the state government has contacted the Benue State Police Command to collaborate with the Kogi State Police Command to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped persons.
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The Benue State Government also revealed that 20 other passengers on board the affected buses, identified to include two drivers and 18 other passengers, are safe and have reached their destination, that is Lagos.
According to the Commissioner, “Incidentally, as we speak now, no life has been lost and with the help of the vigilante and the police, we were able to secure the two buses, two drivers, and 18 passengers.
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“On Monday, 11th 2023, the police certified that the people were psychologically fit to travel and released them with the drivers to proceed to Lagos and we can confirm that they have arrived safely in Lagos.
“However, 10 of the passengers are still in the kidnappers’ den.”
Omale said that the Acting General Manager of Benue Links reported the kidnap incident to the State Government, reiterating that the government is on top of the situation and the state government on its part government is making efforts to secure the release of the victims.
The kidnappers were said to have contacted families of the victims in their captivity, demanding ransom.
However, the Benue State Government has sustained the search operations to rescue the kidnapped victims and ensure their safe arrival.