Fourteen passengers abducted by gunmen in Otukpo, Benue state were rescued by the Benue state Police Command in Benue on Friday.
The Benue state Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent of Police SP Sewuese Anene who disclosed this in a statement in Makurdi however said one of the abducted passengers died from injuries inflicted on him by the gunmen, bring the number of people dead from the incidence to three.
The Benue links bus had earlier been attacked around Otukpo Burnt Bricks area, leading to the death of the driver and one passenger.
According to the Police PRO, the command had in in collaboration with the State Civil Protection Guard, rushed to the scene and found the driver and a passenger with gunshot injuries in the vehicle, while others were whisked away by the kidnappers.
“The injured were conveyed to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a doctor.
“The team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately.
“On April 4, at about 1500hrs, they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel. The superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels, abandoning their captives.
“Unfortunately, they had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue. Fourteen victims were rescued and taken to the hospital, where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment,” she said.
Anene said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Steve Yabanet, commiserated with families of the deceased and pledged to bring the perpetuators to book.
She said that he enjoined the people of Otukpo to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the Police, as many of the bandits received gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.
One Response
So far so good and kudos to the police for this timely intervention. May it be well with the souls of the departed. Finally, if news about abductions and killings of citizens is what democracy has for us, then down with it. Let’s try any other form of government.