Troops in Benue rescued six kidnapped travelers, including a child, after gunmen attacked a commercial vehicle.
Security forces, aided by Keystone operatives, swiftly intervened and freed the hostages unharmed.
Troops in Benue State have freed six kidnapped victims, including a child and the driver of a commercial vehicle, after suspected gunmen attacked travelers along the Katsina-Ala axis on Thursday night, October 2, 2025.
The incident happened when a Toyota Carina II, travelling out of Katsina-Ala, was intercepted by armed men. The attackers forced the passengers out of the vehicle and marched them into nearby bushes close to an abandoned Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps checkpoint.
According to military sources, security forces received a distress report and immediately mobilised to the scene. Working in collaboration with Keystone Security operatives, troops combed the area and launched a rescue operation. The swift intervention led to the release of six hostages.
Those rescued were identified as 43-year-old driver, Terna Gbaya; 55-year-old Musa Adamu from Tella-Kanuri; 35-year-old Rose Sor from Kyuwande LGA; 40-year-old Lydia Vyiashima from Kwanshisha; 60-year-old Comfort Iyofar from Vaase in Wukari LGA; and a young child who was among the passengers.
Officials confirmed that the rescued victims were unharmed and have since been reunited with their families. Security operatives have continued to search the surrounding area with the aim of freeing other passengers who may still be in captivity.
The troops also assured residents of the government’s determination to dismantle criminal hideouts in the region and restore safety along major routes in Benue State. Efforts are ongoing to track down the perpetrators of the attack and bring them to justice.
