Security Operatives Rescue 13 Kidnap Victims Along Makurdi–Otukpo Road

|By Adejumo Adekunle

Relief swept through communities in Benue State as all 13 passengers abducted along the busy Makurdi–Otukpo Road were successfully rescued in the early hours of Sunday.

The victims, who were kidnapped in Otukpo Local Government Area, regained their freedom following what sources described as a coordinated security operation, although authorities are yet to release official details.

The abduction had sparked widespread fear among residents and commuters who frequently ply the route, a corridor increasingly troubled by sporadic security breaches in recent times.

While the rescue has been widely celebrated, key questions remain unanswered. Security agencies have not disclosed whether any suspects were apprehended or if ransom payments played a role in securing the victims’ release.

Efforts to reach the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, Udeme Edet, for confirmation were unsuccessful as of the time of filing this report.

Despite the lack of official briefing, local sources expressed deep relief, describing the safe return of the passengers as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb insecurity in the area.

The incident once again highlights the urgent need for sustained security interventions along the Makurdi–Otukpo axis, a vital route linking several communities within the state.