Police arrest seven over Otukpo UTME candidates’ abduction, rescue victims in Benue

MAKURDI, Nigeria—April 18, 2026 — The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with the abduction of passengers in Otukpo Local Government Area, while also rescuing an unspecified number of victims.

The arrests followed a coordinated joint security operation involving the police and other security agencies after the kidnapping incident, which occurred on April 15. Operatives carried out a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and surrounding areas, leading to the successful rescue of some victims. The rescued individuals are currently receiving medical attention, although authorities did not disclose their exact number.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that intelligence gathered during the operation led to the apprehension of the seven suspects, who remain in custody as investigations continue.

The police also addressed reports circulating in sections of the media claiming that the victims were part of a convoy transporting candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The command dismissed the claims as inaccurate, clarifying that the abducted individuals were passengers travelling in a bus bound for Makurdi and were not linked to any organised group of students.

The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, assured residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the remaining victims and restore normalcy in the affected area.

Authorities have urged members of the public to support ongoing operations by providing credible and timely information to security agencies, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in tackling criminal activities.