Kidnappers release 18 abductee, demand ransom for remaining 10

By Abiodun OBA

Eighteen out of the 28 passengers abducted from two buses belonging to Benue Links Transport company hijacked between Ajaokuta and Okene in Kogi on Sunday, 10 September have reunited with their families in Lagos.

The Benue state Commissioner for Power, Energy and Transport, Mr Omale Omale, disclosed on Tuesday while speaking on the hijack of the two buses by the kidnappers in Kogi State.

The 18 released victims including the two drivers were released unhurt with the intervention of the police and local vigilante operatives.

Omale said the Benue State Government is also in touch with the family of the kidnapped passengers.

“With the help of Police in Kogi and the vigilante in the area we were able to secure the two buses, drivers, and 18 passengers unhurt and have since arrived in Lagos safely.

“However, 10 passengers are still with the kidnappers. Four from one bus and six from the other. The kidnappers have made contact with the families of the victims and are making several demands for ransom.

“The government is in touch with the family members and will ensure that the passengers are all released unhurt,” the commissioner said.

He said security personnel were on the ground to ensure that the passengers regained their freedom unhurt.

The commissioner assured that the company would take more measures to protect its teeming customers.

The kidnappers have contacted families of 10 passengers abducted to demand ransom for the captives.