All passengers kidnapped from a bus in Nigeria’s central Benue State have been rescued, governor announced on Sunday officials said.
Authorities say Nigeria has faced a surge of kidnappings in recent months across northern regions, deepening nationwide insecurity concerns rising.
Such attacks are typically carried out by criminal bandit gangs seeking ransom and by militant groups operating in rural areas.
The exact number of rescued passengers remains unclear, with conflicting figures reported by police and state officials after the incident.
Earlier, police reported fourteen people abducted, while Governor Hyacinth Alia cited fifteen in separate briefings to journalists on Sunday statements.
Authorities also confirmed that seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the bus abduction and ongoing investigation proceedings continue.
Benue State lies in a volatile region often marked by clashes between Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farming communities alike.
These tensions frequently erupt over land and natural resources, fueling cycles of violence and displacement across rural areas increasing instability.
Though the passengers are now free, the rescue underscores fragile safety and persistent insecurity shadowing daily life across Nigeria still.