Abductors of JAMB candidates, others in Benue demand N9m for each captive

The father of two victims abducted from a Benue Links bus travelling to Otukpo has raised alarm over ransom demands by the kidnappers, who he said are insisting on N9 million for each of his children.

The victims were among passengers seized when armed men intercepted the bus and forced them into nearby bush paths.

It will be recalled that passengers of an 18-seater Benue Links bus from Makurdi were abducted a few kilometres before reaching Otukpo by gunmen suspected to be armed herdsmen.

Days after the incident, the distraught father said the family had begun negotiations with the abductors but remained under intense emotional and financial strain.

The man, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the kidnappers had repeatedly changed their demands, worsening the situation.

He said, “I have two children that were kidnapped in the bus and they have not released any of them. The kidnappers have opened discussions with us.

“They initially demanded N10 million for each of my children. Later, they reduced it to N500,000 but shortly after, they called back and insisted it would be N9 million each. Up till now, we are still begging them.”

He explained that his family cannot afford the ransom and is now relying on prayers and government intervention.

“We are pleading with the government to comb the bushes and bring back the children because we do not have any hope of getting them back. Even if you sell me, I cannot be worth that N9 million being demanded for each of them,” he said.

The father added that his children were students travelling from Nasarawa State when they were abducted.

“My children were coming from school in Nasarawa State. They boarded a vehicle from Nasarawa State and on getting to Makurdi they joined another bus to Otukpo, and that was when they ran into wrong hands,” he explained.

He appealed to security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the victims, saying the incident has left the family devastated.

“The government should intensify their search so that our children will come back alive to meet us. Since this incident happened, my wife has not eaten. We are appealing to the government to help us,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command said seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction.

In a statement by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, the command disclosed ongoing rescue efforts.

Part of the statement read, “The Benue State Police Command wishes to inform the general public of a significant breakthrough following the kidnapping incident that occurred on April 15, 2026, in Otukpo.

“In a coordinated joint security operation involving the Police and other sister security agencies, operatives are conducting a targeted search-and-rescue mission in Amla Forest and adjoining areas. The operation has led to the successful rescue of some of the victims, who are currently receiving medical attention.

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