Police Deploy Drones in Benue to Rescue 12 Abducted Passengers

The Benue State Police Command has deployed drones and launched extensive ground operations in an urgent bid to rescue 12 passengers abducted by gunmen on Sunday evening. The victims, comprising 11 passengers and their driver, were traveling in a commercial vehicle belonging to the state-owned Benue Links Transport Company when they were ambushed.

The incident occurred at approximately 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2025, along the notoriously dangerous Otukpo-Otukpa-Enugu highway, near the Eke community in Okpokwu Local Government Area. The assailants intercepted the vehicle, dispossessed the occupants of their valuables, and forcibly marched them into the surrounding bush. The ill-fated bus was en route to Makurdi from Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Udeme Edet, confirmed the abduction on Monday, stating that a comprehensive search-and-rescue operation was immediately launched. “On receipt of the information, police tactical teams, military and Benue State Protection Guard arrived at the scene, combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terna who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers,” Edet said.

He further elaborated that the operation involves various units, including anti-kidnapping squads and specialized drone surveillance teams, to effectively track the abductors and secure the release of the remaining victims. As of Monday evening, the State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, had personally moved to the area to oversee the ongoing efforts.

The management of Benue Links Transport Company, through its Information Officer, Johnson Daniel, also confirmed the unfortunate incident, condemning the attack and assuring the public of their collaboration with security agencies.