Seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the April 15 abduction of some passengers in Otukpo in Benue State.
The state police spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, announced this in Makurdi on Saturday, saying the arrests were made during a coordinated joint security operation involving the police and other security agencies, and targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and adjoining areas.
She said the operation also led to the rescue of some of the victims, who are currently receiving medical attention, but did not disclose the number of those rescued.
Edet said, “the victims were not confirmed to be part of any organised UTME-bound student convoy, but passengers in a Makurdi-bound bus,” contrary to reports in the media.
Meanwhile, Benue Links spokesperson, Ehi Daniel, said the company has washed it’s hands off from the trip, saying the driver undertook the journey in defiance of clear directives.
Daniel said, “there is a standing directive prohibiting all company vehicles from undertaking journeys beyond 6pm due to prevailing security challenges.”
He accused the the driver of taking the bus from the premises without approval, picked up passengers, and commenced the journey without documentation or clearance.
“As a result of this breach, the trip was not officially recorded, and the company currently lacks comprehensive details of the passengers,” it added.
