BREAKING: Relief in Benue as All 13 Abducted Otukpo Passengers Regain Freedom

All 13 passengers abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State have been successfully rescued in a coordinated security operation.

Recall that gunmen abducted secondary school students heading to write the university entrance examinations  on Thursday last week.

Security sources confirmed that the victims were freed alive in the early hours of Sunday after a swift intervention by operatives, including troops of Operation Whirl Stroke.

The rescue has brought relief to residents and road users who had expressed anxiety over the growing insecurity along the route, which links key parts of Benue State and serves as a major transit corridor.

As of the time of filing this report, full details of the operation remain sketchy. Authorities are yet to clarify whether any suspects were arrested or if any ransom was paid.

Officials are currently at the Government House awaiting a formal briefing on the development.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police reportedly suspended an earlier scheduled briefing at the request of the state governor, who is expected to address the media.