All 13 passengers of Benue Links who were abducted at Eke in Okpokwu local government area of Benue state have been rescued following a coordinated operation by the police and local vigilantes.
Adah Inalegwu, chairman of Okpokwu LGA, confirmed the development in a statement on Sunday.
He said two of the victims were first rescued on Saturday after security forces and vigilante groups intensified combing operations in the surrounding forest.
Inalegwu disclosed that support from youths in neighbouring Kogi state further increased pressure on the kidnappers, leading to the release of the remaining 11 victims around 4:00 pm on Sunday at Oando village.
He said the success of the rescue mission was aided by logistics support from Governor Hyacinth Alia and improved security surveillance, including tracking technology.
According to him, the rescued victims are currently undergoing profiling before they are reunited with their families.
