Nigeria TV Info 

Troops Rescue Abducted Benue Bus Passengers, Including UTME Candidates

Nigerian security forces have successfully rescued a group of passengers who were abducted along a highway in Benue State, bringing relief to families and communities affected by the incident. Among those rescued were several candidates preparing to sit for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), whose ordeal had raised widespread concern.

The passengers were reportedly kidnapped when armed assailants intercepted their commercial bus during a routine journey. The attack, which occurred in a known flashpoint for criminal activity, sparked immediate alarm, especially as reports confirmed that young students en route to write their examinations were among the victims.

Following the abduction, troops launched a coordinated rescue operation, combining intelligence gathering with tactical deployment in the surrounding forest areas where the victims were believed to be held. Security sources indicated that the operation involved both ground forces and local vigilante support, enabling swift tracking of the kidnappers’ movements.

After hours of search and engagement, the troops were able to overpower the abductors and secure the safe release of the passengers. While details of the confrontation remain limited, officials confirmed that no fatalities were recorded among the rescued victims. Some of the passengers, however, were said to be in a state of shock and have since been taken for medical evaluation and psychological support.

Authorities have reassured the public of ongoing efforts to secure major highways and protect citizens from rising incidents of banditry and kidnapping. The rescue operation has been widely praised as a demonstration of the military’s commitment to safeguarding lives and restoring confidence in affected regions.

Education stakeholders have also expressed relief over the safe return of the UTME candidates, noting the importance of ensuring that their academic futures are not disrupted by insecurity. Arrangements are reportedly being considered to support the affected candidates in rescheduling their examinations where necessary.

The incident underscores the persistent security challenges in parts of Nigeria, particularly in rural and transit corridors. Nonetheless, the successful rescue offers a hopeful sign of progress in ongoing efforts to combat criminal activities and protect vulnerable citizens.