Authorities arrested seven armed herders linked to abducted university entrance exam applicants, say law enforcement officials

The Benue State Police Command has apprehended seven suspected militia herdsmen in connection with the abduction of passengers on an 18-seater Benue Links bus that occurred last Wednesday along the Makurdi-Otukpo highway, as reported by Peter Duru.

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The victims, who included Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board candidates en route to Otukpo for their examinations, have all been freed, with some having been released earlier and the remainder rescued on Sunday morning.

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A joint operation involving multiple security agencies was instrumental in securing the release of the victims, according to the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, who briefed Governor Hyacinth Alia while presenting the rescued passengers in Makurdi.

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Emenari explained that five of the passengers were initially released, while the remaining 13 were rescued unhurt on Sunday morning, bringing the total number of freed victims to 18.

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The Commissioner of Police commended Governor Alia and the Inspector-General of Police for their support, noting that the deployment of the IGP tactical team helped intensify pressure on the kidnappers, ultimately leading to the safe return of the victims.

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Emenari disclosed that eight suspects are currently in police custody, with seven of them believed to be directly linked to the crime, and some of the victims have been able to identify them.

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The police command has launched special operations across the state to flush out criminal elements from forest hideouts, in line with directives from the Inspector-General of Police and the state government, according to Emenari.

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Receiving the victims, Governor Alia expressed concern over the rising cases of kidnapping in parts of the state but welcomed the safe return of all 18 passengers, including eight young people who were heading to Otukpo to write their examinations.

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The governor urged JAMB to consider rescheduling the examinations for the affected candidates to enable them to participate, and assured that the state government would provide necessary support to the victims.

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Alia reiterated his administration's zero tolerance for criminal activities and called on residents to support security agencies with timely and useful information, while directing the Commissioner for Health and Human Services to ensure that the victims receive proper medical evaluation.

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The government will roll out support packages for the rescued passengers, according to Governor Alia.