ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Earlier, 45 passengers kidnapped along the Benue-Enugu express road have been successfully rescued by the Nigerian Army.
The courageous troops managed to secure their release without the payment of any ransom, and several of the kidnappers have been apprehended.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening when gunmen, suspected to be kidnappers, attacked and abducted passengers traveling in three 15-seater commercial buses along the Otukpo-Enugu Road in Orokam, Benue State.
Heavily armed, the assailants ambushed the vehicles, forcing the drivers at gunpoint to pull over.
Negotiations for ransom had commenced between the armed men and the families of the kidnapped passengers.
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Initially demanding N15 million for each passenger, the kidnappers eventually settled for N3 million per individual after negotiations. However, communication was abruptly cut off, leaving families uncertain about the fate of their loved ones.
A manager from a transportation company at Wurumum Park, speaking anonymously to Vanguard, disclosed that approximately 45 passengers were involved in the abduction.
Some family members sought information at the park, but the company denied any involvement, explaining that they were not in touch with the kidnappers.
The manager noted that armed men likely targeted the vehicles due to the poor condition of the road, making it easier for them to intercept. Describing the incident, he mentioned a heavily built young man emerging from the bush with an automatic rifle and a chain of bullets.
Despite the severity of the situation, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, stated that the command had not been informed of the incident when contacted.