How we rescued 8 kidnapped JAMB students, seven others – Benue CP Emenari …As Gov Alia requests rescheduled JAMB exam for victims

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, has narrated how a coordinated security operation led to the rescue of eight kidnapped Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) candidates and seven other travellers who were abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo road.

The abductees were rescued early hours of Sunday after spending four days in captivity.

Our correspondent reports that the victims were among passengers of a Benue Links bus that was attacked by gunmen on April 15, 2026, around the Taraku axis in Gwer West Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

Speaking during the presentation of the rescued victims to the state government, the police commissioner said the operation which led to their freedom involved a joint task force made up of several security agencies and local vigilante groups.

According to him, the bus had left Makurdi for Otukpo carrying 18 passengers when armed bandits ambushed and attacked the in the Taraku area, forcing the vehicle to a halt and taking the occupants into the forest.

“The incident happened on the 15th of April. The bus was carrying 18 passengers when the attackers struck and abducted some of them into the forest,” Emenari said.

Emenari said following the incident, Governor Hyacinth Alia immediately issued marching orders to security agencies in the state to secure the release of the victims.

“The executive governor directed that the victims must be rescued. At the same time, we were instructed to ensure that the operation was carried out professionally and without endangering the lives of the victims,” the police commissioner stated.

He said sustained pressure mounted on the bandits through intelligence-driven operations eventually forced them to abandon the captives.

“To the glory of God today, all the passengers in that Benue Links bus are free. The last batch of 13 victims were rescued early this morning after sustained pressure on the criminals operating around the Amla forest,” he said.

Emenari commended security agencies and community actors who participated in the rescue mission, describing the operation as a demonstration of effective collaboration.

He specifically acknowledged the roles played by the Nigerian Army’s 401 Brigade, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Department of State Services, the state’s Civil Protection Guards, Homeland Security and local vigilantes from Naka and surrounding communities.

According to him, the state government closely monitored the operation and provided the necessary support throughout the rescue effort.

He said “Since the incident occurred, the governor kept in constant communication, giving instructions and ensuring that the operation succeeded. His leadership has greatly encouraged security personnel in the state.”

The police boss also revealed that several suspects had been arrested in connection with the attack.

According to him, “As of now, we have eight suspects in police custody and seven of them are strongly linked to the kidnapping incidents, including this one and previous cases.”

He noted that some of the rescued victims had already identified certain suspects as members of the gang that carried out the attack.

He added that the police, working with other security agencies, had intensified investigations while special tactical units had been deployed to the state to strengthen ongoing operations.

He further security agencies have also launched clearance operations in forests across the state to dismantle criminal hideouts.

“We know that this axis presents security challenges. The directive now is to clear all bandit elements in and around the Amla forest. A comprehensive joint clearance operation is underway,” he said.

Emenari further stated that security personnel were currently conducting operations in several parts of the state including especially in Sankera axis; Logo, Kwande, and Guma local government areas.

“We are entering the farming season, and we will not tolerate banditry, kidnapping or any criminal elements hiding in forests or farmlands to terrorize communities,” he added.

Responding, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended the police commissioner and other security agencies for their determination in securing the victims’ release.

The governor said the government and security chiefs had remained under pressure since the abduction occurred.

“Since the 15th of this month when these young people and other travellers were kidnapped along the Makurdi–Otukpo road, none of the security heads in the state has rested,” he said.

Alia, who said the victims included eight young students who were travelling to sit for their JAMB examination, disclosed that out of the 18 passengers in the bus, 15 were abducted during the attack while two managed to escape earlier before the final rescue operation.

The governor expressed gratitude to security agencies, local communities and the federal government for their support in the rescue efforts.

“I am very grateful to hear that several suspects have been identified as bandits and are currently in custody. Authorities must ensure that all accomplices are apprehended,” he said.

Alia reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity in the state and warned that Benue would not tolerate criminal elements.

“Benue has always been a land of peace and we cannot accommodate anyone who comes to destroy that peace,” he stated.

The governor directed that the rescued victims be taken to a hospital for medical examination and care.

He also appealed to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to consider rescheduling the examination for the eight students who missed it due to the kidnapping ordeal.

“I call on JAMB authorities to look into the case of these eight students and give them another opportunity to write their examination,” he said.

Alia assured the students and their families that the state government would support them in continuing their education.

He also urged communities across the state to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information to help curb kidnapping and other crimes.

Meanwhile, the released victims have expressed deep appreciation to God and the federal and state government as well as security agencies for their rescue urging them to provide adequate security for citizens to enable them go about their legitimate businesses without fear.