The Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, has announced that eight of the twelve passengers kidnapped on Friday, along the Okene–Auchi Road in Kogi State have been rescued, Peak Newspaper reports.
He said the operation was carried out by the police in conjunction with the military and assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining four victims.
Hundeyin, however, did not clarify whether Onyesom Peace Udoka, the young lawyer recently called to the bar, and her sister were among those freed.
Both were reported to have been abducted while travelling in a bus belonging to Big Joe Ventures from Abuja to Benin.
The kidnapping has drawn nationwide concern, particularly from the Nigerian Bar Association, which earlier called for the immediate rescue of Udoka and her sister.
Security agencies have not disclosed the identities of those rescued or the conditions of the victims still in captivity.
The Okene–Auchi axis has become notorious for kidnappings in recent years, with commuters often targeted by heavily armed gangs.
Friday’s incident once again underscores the persistent insecurity on major highways despite repeated assurances of improved patrols and joint operations.
