Tears, Fear on Otukpo Road as Gunmen Abduct 14 Passengers, Rescue Five in Benue
Fear and anguish have gripped travellers and residents in parts of Benue State after armed gunmen reportedly ambushed a commercial bus and abducted 14 passengers travelling from Enugu State to Abuja.
The frightening incident occurred on Thursday night, August 13, 2026, along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of the Otukpo–Adoka road in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
Global Mirror News gathered that the victims were travelling in an 18-seater commercial bus when the suspected kidnappers reportedly launched the attack, forcing the passengers out of the vehicle and into the surrounding forest.
A resident identified as Ochai, who spoke on the incident, said the passengers were helpless as the gunmen descended on the bus during the night journey.
“Some gunmen ambushed an 18-seater bus heading to Abuja between Omutele and Ankpechi along Otukpo–Adoka road yesterday (Thursday) night. All the passengers in the vehicle were whisked away by the gunmen,” the resident said.
The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of motorists and passengers using major highways in Benue, particularly at night, as families anxiously await the safe return of their loved ones.
However, there was a major breakthrough in the rescue operation on Friday, as security operatives succeeded in freeing five of the abducted passengers.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident and disclosed that a coordinated rescue operation was launched early Friday following the attack.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said the operation involved security operatives engaging the suspected kidnappers in a gun battle.
According to him, five victims, including a four-year-old boy, have so far been rescued, while nine others remain in the custody of the kidnappers.
In a statement, Aondongu said, “The Benue State Police Command has confirmed a kidnapping incident involving a commercial passenger bus travelling from Enugu State to Abuja along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area on the night of 13 August 2026.
“Following the incident, operatives of the command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early this (Friday) morning. The operation, which involved an exchange of gunfire, has so far resulted in the successful rescue of five victims, including a four-year-old boy, while nine others remain in the custody of the suspected kidnappers.”
Global Mirror News further gathered that one of the rescued passengers sustained a gunshot injury during the confrontation between the security operatives and the kidnappers.
The injured victim was immediately evacuated to a medical facility in Otukpo, where he was receiving treatment.
The police, working alongside other security agencies, have reportedly intensified the operation to locate the kidnappers and secure the release of the remaining nine victims.
Aondongu said the rescue operation was being handled with caution, stressing that the safety of the abducted passengers remained the priority of the security agencies.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Cletus Nwadiogbu, also assured the affected families that security operatives would not relent until all the remaining victims were brought home safely.
For the families of those still being held in the forest, however, the waiting remains a painful ordeal, with every passing hour deepening anxiety over the safety and whereabouts of their loved ones.
The Police appealed to residents of Ankpechi, Omutele, Otukpo and surrounding communities to remain vigilant and provide credible information that could assist security agencies in locating the kidnappers and rescuing the remaining victims.
The latest incident adds to the growing security concerns surrounding road travel in parts of the country, underscoring the need for sustained intelligence-led operations, stronger highway surveillance and rapid-response mechanisms to protect innocent travellers.
Global Mirror News urges motorists and passengers travelling through vulnerable routes to exercise extreme caution, particularly during night journeys, while encouraging communities to promptly share credible security information with the appropriate authorities.
