Five of the 14 passengers kidnapped along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State have been rescued by security operatives.
The victims were travelling in a passenger bus from Enugu to Abuja when they were intercepted by suspected kidnappers on the night of August 13.
The Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Aondongu Orchia, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Makurdi.
According to Orchia, the police immediately mobilised and launched a coordinated operation following the abduction.
He said the operation resulted in a gun battle with the suspected kidnappers, during which five of the victims were successfully freed.
Among those rescued was a four-year-old boy.
Orchia disclosed that 14 passengers were abducted during the incident, leaving nine others still in the custody of the kidnappers.
He added that security personnel were continuing operations aimed at locating and safely rescuing the remaining victims.
One of the rescued passengers sustained a gunshot injury during the confrontation and was subsequently taken to a medical facility in Otukpo for treatment.
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Cletus Nwadiogbu, assured the victims’ families and members of the public that the command was making concerted efforts to secure the release of those still being held.
He appealed to residents of the affected communities to remain calm and vigilant, urging them to provide security agencies with credible information that could support the ongoing rescue operation.
The police command said further details would be released as more information becomes available.