There was relief in Benue State on Sunday as all 13 remaining passengers abducted from a Benue Links bus, including several candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), regained their freedom after days in captivity.
The victims were among passengers travelling in an 18-seater bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road last Wednesday when armed men attacked and whisked them away.
Sources said at least eight of those abducted were candidates heading to Otukpo to sit for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) at the time of the incident.
The passengers were reportedly held for about three days before regaining their freedom in the early hours of Sunday. Details of how they were released remain unclear as security authorities have yet to provide a full account of the operation.
However, it was gathered that security operatives had intensified efforts in the area in the days following the abduction, raising hopes that pressure may have contributed to the outcome.
Following their release, the victims were immediately taken for medical attention. They are currently receiving treatment at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital in Otukpo.
While their conditions have not been officially disclosed, sources indicate that the evacuation was carried out as a precaution after their ordeal.
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the development and said a detailed briefing would be provided to the public.
The incident had sparked concern among residents and education stakeholders, particularly as it involved students on their way to sit for a critical national examination.
The latest development brings some relief, though questions remain over the circumstances of the abduction and the broader security situation along key routes in the state.
