Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has confirmed the safe rescue of 15 abducted passengers in the state.

Mr Alia disclosed this on Sunday during a joint briefing with the state police commissioner, Ifeanyi Emenari, at Government House, Makurdi.

The victims were kidnapped on Wednesday, April 15, along the Taraku–Otukpo road but were rescued unharmed.

The governor explained that 17 persons were initially abducted, but two escaped separately, leaving 15 who were eventually rescued.

Among the victims were eight candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Mr Alia urged JAMB to make special arrangements for the affected candidates to sit the examination.

He assured that the state government would support the process fully.

The governor also directed that the victims receive free medical care and tasked the state ministry of education with supporting their academic continuity.

Reaffirming the state’s position, Mr Alia said, “Benue remains peaceful, and criminal elements will not be tolerated.”

He commended security agencies for their role in securing the victims’ release.

Earlier, Mr Emenari said eight suspects had been arrested in connection with the abduction.

He noted that credible evidence linked seven suspects to the crime and other kidnappings in the area.

The CP attributed the rescue to a coordinated security operation and acknowledged support from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu and the state government. 

(NAN)