ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Gunmen have abducted 14 passengers travelling from Enugu State to Abuja, after attacking a commercial bus along the Otukpo-Adoka road in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Thursday night along the Ankpechi-Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area, when the attackers reportedly ambushed an 18-seater bus and forced all the occupants into a nearby forest.
A resident, Ochai, who spoke with our correspondent on Friday, said the passengers were taken away after the gunmen intercepted the vehicle.
Confirming the attack, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Peter Aondongu, said security operatives launched a coordinated rescue operation early Friday.
According to him, the operation involved a gun battle with the suspected kidnappers and resulted in the rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy.
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Aondongu said nine other passengers remained in the custody of the kidnappers as of Friday, adding that one of the rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation.
He said the injured victim was taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment, while security agencies continued efforts to locate and rescue those still being held.
The police spokesperson said the rescue operation was being conducted cautiously, with the safety of the victims placed above other considerations.
The state Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, assured the victims’ families that security personnel would sustain the operation until the remaining passengers were freed.
He also appealed to residents of communities around the affected area to remain vigilant and provide useful information that could assist the security agencies, Punch reports.
The latest abduction has further heightened concerns over the security situation in Otukpo and Ohimini LGAs, where residents have reported a series of killings and kidnapping incidents in recent weeks.