Again, troops rescue eight passengers from kidnappers custody in Benue
By Titus Atondu, Makurdi
No fewer than eight passengers were rescued from heavily armed bandits at the Akaa-Akundo settlement along the Zaki-Biam/Wukari road in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on the night of October 17, 2024, at 7:30 PM. The rescue operation was conducted by the military joint operations of the 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS).
The rescued individuals were identified as follows: Mr. Oliver Enze, 40, a driver; Mr. Obi Valentine, 32; Nasuru Abubarka, 18; Evangelist John Udhemuburu, 64; Bulus Bukar, 23; Samuel Chukwudi, 18; Joseph Ejeh, 37; and Alex Okafor, 42.
Mr. Enze, who drives for the Taraba Express International Transport Company, described the frightening experience to our correspondent at the operation’s headquarters in Makurdi. He was transporting ten passengers from Onitsha to Taraba State when they arrived at the Akaa-Akundo settlement around 7:30 PM. There, they encountered a checkpoint established by notorious armed bandits dressed in military uniforms, which the victims initially mistook for a legitimate military checkpoint.
At this checkpoint, multiple vehicles were forced to stop, and their occupants were ordered to lie face down on the ground. The bandits took two passengers from the vehicle and dragged them into the bush. They also seized cash worth millions of naira, along with travelling bags, phones, and other valuables from the passengers.
Enze explained that as the bandits were carrying out their operations, they spotted the approach of the joint military forces and fled into nearby bushes.
The rescued passengers expressed their gratitude for the military’s prompt intervention. They thanked the Commander for the hospitality and care they received during their time at the military headquarters. They also called for immediate federal government action to establish a permanent solution to the activities of the armed bandits terrorising travellers and transporters along that route, specifically by setting up a military barracks in the area.
Nigerian NewsDirect reported that this incident occurred just two weeks after military operations under the 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 OPWS rescued a corps member and six other passengers from kidnappers in the same region, underscoring the urgent need for action from the relevant authorities.
Brigadier General A. Rabiu, Commander of the 401 Special Forces Brigade/Sector 1 OPWS, confirmed the incident and reassured Benue residents of ongoing efforts to combat criminality in the state
