Police operatives in Benue State on Friday rescued five of the 14 travellers allegedly abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.

Our correspondent reports that the incident occurred on Thursday night when the victims were travelling in a commercial passenger bus from Enugu State to Abuja.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Peter Aondongu, in a statement, said operatives of the Command commenced a coordinated rescue operation early Friday following the incident.

He said the victims, including a four-year-old boy, were rescued during a gun duel between security operatives and the suspected kidnappers on Friday morning.

He noted that nine of the abducted travellers were still being held by the kidnappers, while efforts were ongoing to rescue them safely.

The PPRO added that one of the five rescued victims sustained a gunshot injury during the operation and was immediately rushed to a medical facility in Otukpo, where he is receiving treatment.

“Operatives of the Command, in collaboration with sister security agencies, are intensifying efforts to safely rescue the remaining nine victims,” he said.

Aondongu said the operation was being conducted with utmost caution, with the safety of the remaining victims as the primary objective.

The statement also added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, assured the affected families and the public that concerted efforts were being made to secure the safe release of those still in captivity.

He urged residents of communities around the affected area to remain calm and vigilant and provide credible information that could assist the ongoing rescue operation, stressing that further updates would be provided as developments unfold. (Daily Trust)