Survivors of a recent abduction in Benue State have shared chilling details of the abuse they endured during four days in captivity, describing a period marked by hunger, violence, and constant fear.
The victims were taken on Wednesday when armed men attacked a commercial bus along the Taraku–Otukpo road in Otukpo Local Government Area.
The vehicle, operated by Benue Links, was carrying 18 passengers at the time.
After days of uncertainty, all the captives regained their freedom early Sunday following sustained pressure from security forces.
Receiving the victims in Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed that several of those rescued were young students, adding that the state government would provide medical care and support for their recovery.
He also appealed for special consideration for those who may have missed important examinations due to the incident.
However, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) disputed claims that the victims were candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
According to its spokesperson, Fabian Benjamin, investigations suggested they were instead involved in a police recruitment process, noting that UTME candidates are typically assigned to different centres and do not travel in groups.
“We Were Beaten and Starved”
Several victims recounted their ordeal. An 18-year-old, Gbenga Daniels, said he was robbed of ₦8,000 and repeatedly assaulted.
“They beat us and gave us nothing to eat. We survived on dirty water,” he said.
Another teenager, Ngukulan Iornav, said their only food during captivity was garri mixed with salt, while beatings were frequent.
A medical student from the University of Maiduguri, Orih Raphael Sylvester, explained how the attack unfolded after the bus experienced mechanical delays on the journey.
According to him, the kidnappers kept the group moving through forested areas to avoid detection.
“The first night, we had nothing to eat because we were constantly on the move.
By the second day, we drank muddy water. On the third day, they forced us to call our families while beating us,” he said.
He added that the captors intensified ransom demands on the fourth day before eventually directing them toward a road where they encountered military personnel around dawn.
Other victims, including Sunday Augustine, a student of the Federal University of Lafia, reported injuries, while Akor Jessica described the experience as “a nightmare,” saying they were beaten indiscriminately with sticks and machetes.
Ransom Negotiations
A relative of two victims, Ochadgwuba Alexander, revealed that the kidnappers initially demanded ₦10 million per person.
After negotiations, he said he delivered ₦3.4 million along with additional supplies to secure their release.
“It was terrifying. After paying, I coordinated with the military and waited at Okete village until they were brought out,” he said.
Security Response
Benue State Police Commissioner Ifeanyi Enemari confirmed that a joint operation involving the police, military, Operation Whirl Stroke, and NSCDC Agro Rangers led to the victims’ rescue.
He stated that while some passengers escaped earlier, 13 remained in captivity until Sunday morning.
Authorities have since arrested eight suspects, with seven believed to have directly participated in the attack.
Some of the rescued victims have reportedly identified the suspects.
Also Read: CBN Introduces Nigerian Overnight Financing Rate (NOFR) to Boost Transparency
The incident adds to growing concerns about insecurity along major routes in the region, even as authorities pledge stronger measures to prevent a recurrence.