Police Arrest Seven Over Otukpo Kidnapping, Dispel UTME Candidates’ Kidnap Claim

Police Arrest Seven Over Otukpo Kidnapping, Dispel UTME Candidates’ Kidnap Claim

The Nigeria Police Force in Benue State have detained seven suspects in connection with the abduction of passengers during an attack along the Otukpo axis on April 15.

The arrests were confirmed in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Edet Udeme, and made available to journalists in Makurdi on Saturday.

According to the statement, the arrests followed a coordinated search-and-rescue operation involving the police and other security agencies in Amla Forest and surrounding communities, where the suspected kidnappers were tracked.

Security operatives also reportedly rescued some of the victims during the operation. However, the police did not disclose the exact number of persons rescued, noting that those recovered are currently receiving medical attention.

“Further intelligence gathered in the course of the operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, who are currently in police custody while investigation is ongoing,” the statement said.

The Command also dismissed reports circulating in some media platforms suggesting that the victims were part of a convoy transporting candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

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It clarified that the victims were passengers in a Makurdi-bound commercial bus and not part of any organised UTME examination convoy.

“The command states that this claim is incorrect, as the victims were not confirmed to be part of any organized UTME-bound student convoy but passengers in a Makurdi-bound bus,” DSP Udeme stated.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ifeanyi Emenari, assured residents that efforts are ongoing in collaboration with other security agencies to rescue remaining victims and dismantle criminal networks operating in the area.

He also urged members of the public to support security operations by providing credible and timely information that could aid ongoing investigations and rescue missions.

The incident highlights continued security challenges in parts of Benue State, where kidnapping for ransom has remained a recurring concern along major travel routes and rural corridors.

Authorities say operations in the affected forested areas are still ongoing as part of broader efforts to curb violent crime and restore confidence in the state’s transport routes.

Police Arrest Seven Over Otukpo Kidnapping, Dispel UTME Candidates’ Kidnap Claim