The people of Otukpo in Benue State have enjoined to look out for suspects with gunshot injuries and report to the Police, as many of the bandits engaged during the exchange of fire received gunshot injuries
The Police Command in Benue, made the call in a statement on Friday after rescuing 14 passengers of Benue Links, kidnapped by unknown gunmen on Thursday evening in Otukpo LGA of the state.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, said in Makurdi that the bus was attacked on April 3, around Otukpo Burnt Bricks area, leading to the death of the driver and one passenger.
She said the armed kidnappers thereafter took away the remaining 14 passengers to an unknown destination.
The PRO said the command, in collaboration with the State Civil Protection Guard, rushed to the scene and found the driver and a passenger with gunshot injuries in the vehicle, while others were whisked away by the kidnappers.
“The injured were taken to the hospital where they were confirmed dead by a doctor.
According to her, “The team launched a search for the kidnapped victims within the nearby forest immediately.
Anene explained further, on April 4, at about 1500hrs, they sighted the bandits in the forest and engaged them in a gun duel, “noting that, “the superior fire power of the police subdued them and they took to their heels, abandoning their captives.
“Unfortunately, they had inflicted matchet cuts on two of the victims before the rescue. Pointing out that, Fourteen victims were rescued and taken to the hospital, where one was confirmed dead and others currently receiving treatment,” she said.
Anene said that the Commissioner of Police, Mr Steve Yabanet, commiserated with families of the deceased and pledged to bring the perpetuators to book.
