Police Rescue 19 Kidnapped Passengers in Benue After Overnight Ambush on Ohimini–Otukpo Road

Nigerian police have rescued 19 passengers abducted during a late-night attack by suspected armed bandits along the Ohimini–Otukpo Road in Benue State, following a swift security operation that forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, December 22, when gunmen mounted a roadblock near Mechanic Village in Ohimini Local Government Area and intercepted two commercial vehicles travelling through the corridor.

Security sources confirmed that one of the vehicles, a Toyota Hiace bus heading from Oju in Benue State to Ibadan, Oyo State, was carrying nine passengers at the time of the attack. The occupants were reportedly forced into nearby bushes at gunpoint.

A second vehicle, a Toyota Hummer bus operated by Plateau Riders Company, was also ambushed. The bus, driven by Igoche John from Jos, Plateau State, was en route to Bayelsa State with 11 passengers onboard when it was intercepted by the assailants.

Police authorities said the abduction was reported at about 2:00 a.m., prompting the immediate deployment of patrol teams and tactical units to the area. Operatives combed surrounding forests and escape routes in a coordinated search operation.

The heavy security presence is believed to have overwhelmed the attackers, who fled the scene and abandoned most of their captives. Nineteen passengers were rescued safely, with no ransom paid, according to police sources.

After undergoing preliminary screening and documentation, the rescued passengers were cleared to continue their journeys.

However, one passenger — identified as Boniface Ndukwe from Jos, Plateau State — is still believed to be in the custody of the kidnappers.

Police say a manhunt is ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects and secure the release of the remaining victim, as security operations continue across the axis.

The Ohimini–Otukpo corridor has witnessed sporadic security incidents in recent months, raising concerns among commuters and transport operators who rely on the route for interstate travel.