Combined security operatives have rescued the remaining 13 passengers abducted by gunmen in Benue State, bringing relief to families days after the attack.
The State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the development in a message to journalists early Sunday.
Emenari disclosed that the rescued victims would be brought to Makurdi, the state capital, for further processing.
“Yes we’re planning a news conference this morning when they arrive Makurdi. Good morning, please,” the CP said in a text message sent to Punch.
The victims were abducted on Wednesday night when gunmen intercepted a state-owned Benue Links vehicle.
The attackers reportedly whisked away several passengers, including young men and women, said to be travelling for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Otukpo.
The police commissioner had earlier confirmed on Friday that five of the victims had been rescued, leaving 13 still in captivity at the time.
The latest operation now accounts for all abducted passengers.
Meanwhile, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board had, in a statement on Saturday, denied that any of its candidates were among the abducted victims.
However, a relative of one of the victims rejected the claim, describing it as insensitive.
The source who spoke with Punch said, “My nephew was on that bus, and he was heading to Otukpo for his JAMB examination. In fact, most of the passengers were candidates. Only a few were not going for the exam.
The relative added, “That explains why they hurried to travel that evening, they had exams scheduled for early the next day.”