By Our Correspondent

National News – Benue kidnapping victims have recounted their ordeal after a police-led rescue operation following an abduction along the Taraku–Otukpo axis in Benue State, where armed men intercepted a bus carrying 18 passengers travelling for different purposes, including UTME examinations and police recruitment screening.

The incident occurred on Thursday evening when five armed men reportedly blocked the road, ordered passengers off the vehicle at gunpoint, and forced them into a nearby forest.

According to one escapee identified as Francis, the attackers, believed to be armed with AK-47 rifles and cutlasses, beat the passengers and demanded valuables before marching them into the bush.

He narrated that the driver of the bus mysteriously disappeared as soon as the attackers struck, leaving passengers confused and vulnerable.

Francis said the abductors communicated in English while addressing victims but used Hausa among themselves.

The victims were moved deep into the forest around Otukpo, where they were held overnight.

Francis later escaped by hiding when the kidnappers passed through a village area without torchlight, running through the forest from about 8pm until 4am when he reached safety near Otukpo Nobi, where he met locals.

Police authorities confirmed that rescue operations were ongoing.

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State stated that five victims had been rescued, two escaped earlier, while 13 others remained in captivity.

He noted that although some of the victims were suspected UTME candidates, investigations revealed that none of the rescued individuals had been confirmed as examination candidates.

Security forces have intensified search efforts in the Otukpo forest area, assuring residents that efforts are underway to rescue all remaining victims safely.

Authorities urged residents to remain calm and report suspicious movements as security operations continue across Benue State highways.

The incident highlights rising insecurity along rural transport corridors and renewed concerns over passenger safety in the North Central region, especially routes linking Makurdi, Otukpo, and surrounding communities.