Twelve passengers who were kidnapped from a Benue Links commercial bus in Benue State have regained their freedom after spending a week in captivity. The victims were released around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday and were received by security personnel at the Okpokwu Divisional Police Station. However, two of the released individuals were reportedly in poor health and were immediately rushed to a hospital for medical attention.

The passengers were travelling on a Benue State Government-owned vehicle, popularly known as Benue Links, with registration number 14B-143BN, when the bus was hijacked by armed assailants on Saturday, June 22, around 6:30 p.m. The incident occurred along the Eke axis of Okpokwu Local Government Area. The victims were said to have been robbed and taken to an undisclosed location by the abductors.

Confirming the development, Ehi Johnson, Public Relations Officer of Benue Links Transport Company, stated that the passengers were released on Sunday afternoon and are currently with the police in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA. “They are currently with the police at Ugbokolo in Okpokwu LGA. Details are still sketchy, but more information will be provided to the public soon,” Johnson said.

However, he could not verify whether the release was the result of a ransom payment or a rescue operation by security agencies. The bus was reportedly en route to Makurdi from Abeokuta, Ogun State, when it was attacked. Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had not yet received official confirmation regarding the release of the passengers.

“We extend our sincere appreciation to the relevant security agencies, community leaders, and all those who played a critical role in facilitating the release of the passengers. Their coordinated efforts and dedicated commitment to the safety of citizens have been invaluable during this challenging time,” Benue Links Nigeria Limited stated, as reported earlier.