The Benue State Police Command has arrested seven suspects in connection with the April 15 abduction of passengers in Otukpo, following a joint security operation.

The Command’s spokesperson, DSP Edet Udeme, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests were made during a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and surrounding areas.

She added that the operation also led to the rescue of some of the victims, who are currently receiving medical attention, although the exact number was not disclosed.

“Further intelligence gathered in the course of the operation led to the arrest of seven suspects, who are currently in police custody while investigations are ongoing,” Udeme said.

The police also debunked reports suggesting that the victims were part of a convoy of students travelling for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

“The victims were not part of any organised UTME-bound convoy but passengers in a Makurdi-bound bus,” the statement clarified.

Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, assured residents that efforts are being intensified, in collaboration with other security agencies, to rescue the remaining victims.

The command urged the public to provide credible and timely information to support ongoing operations.