By Emmy Joe
TROOPS of Operation Whirl Stroke on Wednesday rescued passengers travelling on a bus belonging to Benue Links Transport Ltd as they foiled a kidnap attempt along the Enugu–Otukpo highway in Benue State.
According statement released on Thursday by the Acting Media/Information Officer of Operation Whirl Stroke, Ahmad Zubairu, the incident occurred when troops on night patrol received intelligence that an 18-seater Benue Links bus, with registration number TYK 221 YK, had been seized by suspected kidnappers.
“Troops of Sector 1 under Operation WHIRL STROKE successfully foiled a kidnapping attempt along the Enugu–Otukpo Road, rescuing three victims without casualties,” the statement read, disclosing further that the vehicle was conveying four passengers and a minor at the time of the attack.
According to the information officer, troops deployed at the Forward Operation Base in Otukpo mobilised to the scene after receiving the report and trailed the suspected kidnappers along their withdrawal route.
“The prompt response of the troops forced the criminals to abandon three of the victims. No direct contact was made during the pursuit. However, one mobile phone believed to belong to the kidnappers was recovered at the scene,” the officer said.
The whereabouts of the remaining passenger was not clarified by the military but the minor was said to have been in the vehicle at the time it was intercepted.
On Thursday, the Commander of the Joint Task Force, Major General Moses Gara, had, in a statement, by the Acting Media/Information Officer, commended the efforts of the troops, attributing the rescue operation to their vigilance and efficiency in preventing an escalation of the incident.
He advised motorists to remain cautious while travelling, especially at night.
The commander had recently warned individuals and groups responsible for the wave of violence in Benue State to stay clear of the state.
“Motorists should be cautious to observe unusual absence of vehicular movement within a two-kilometre stretch and pause to assess the situation where necessary,” he stated.
He urged drivers to report suspicious activities to the nearest security post to enable rapid response. Also, security agencies have continued to call on residents to share timely information as part of efforts to curb kidnappings and related crimes across the state.
