Benue State Police Command said they have rescued 14 passengers out of 18 that were kidnapped on Thursday in Ikobi, near Benue Burnt Brick, Otukpo town, in Benue State.

A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, CSP Sewuese Aneene, said one passenger has been confirmed dead, bringing the total of those who died in the unfortunate incident  to four.

The driver of the vehicle Samuel Agege was shot and killed at the spot before the passengers were taken into the forest.

Reports say gunmen on Thursday opened fire on an 18-passenger bus belonging to Benue Links Nigeria Limited, a state-owned transport company.

The PPRO said “Our team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately. On 4/4/2025 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 machete cuts on two of the victims before the rescue.

“Fourteen (14) victims were rescued and taken to the hospital where one was confirmed dead and others are currently receiving treatment.

“The Commissioner of Police, Benue State Command, CP. Steve H. Yabanet FCID, psc (+) commiserates with families of the three passengers that lost their lives in this dastardly incident and pledges his commitment to bring the perpetrators to book.

“He enjoins the good people of Otukpo to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the police as many of these bandits received gunshot injuries during the exchange of fire.”