Thirteen travelers taken from a Benue Links bus last week have been released, police in Benue State confirmed Sunday. The victims were seized on Wednesday when armed men waylaid their 18-seater vehicle on the Makurdi–Otukpo road. About eight of those freed were students heading to Otukpo to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board exam.

The group regained freedom in the early hours of Sunday amid heightened security activities across the area. Authorities have not released full details of the operation but said continued pressure from operatives helped secure the outcome.

Following their release, the passengers were moved for medical care and are now at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo. Commissioner of Police Ifeanyi Emenari confirmed the development and noted that the command will share additional updates with the media.

The abduction raised alarm because it affected candidates traveling for a nationwide test, bringing renewed attention to highway security. Police are also reviewing why the commercial trip took place at night.

Source: Vanguard, April 2026