The Benue State Police Command has advised travelers to avoid night journeys following a series of security incidents and a recent kidnapping along the Ankpenchi-Ogobia axis.
Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu urged motorists and passengers to postpone journeys likely to extend into late hours where possible.
He issued the warning during an emergency press briefing in Makurdi while providing updates on ongoing security operations.
Nwadiogbu said 13 passengers were abducted on September 13 after gunmen intercepted a commercial bus in Ohimini Local Government Area.
Police rescue operations led to the recovery of four victims shortly after the incident.
On September 18, tactical teams stormed a suspected kidnappers’ camp in Amla Forest and rescued eight additional victims.
The Commissioner said one victim sustained fatal injuries allegedly inflicted by the kidnappers and died in another part of the forest.
Police said efforts were continuing to arrest fleeing suspects and recover the deceased victim’s body.
The Command also reported the arrest of a suspect during a stop-and-search operation in Otukpo, where officers recovered a locally fabricated pistol.
Investigation is ongoing into the source of the weapon and any possible links to other criminal activity.
Nwadiogbu also provided an update on the August 30 mob attack at Adagi in Kwande Local Government Area.
The attack followed a fatal road accident involving a vehicle carrying police personnel.
Police said a senior officer remained hospitalized after sustaining serious injuries, while the Divisional Police Officer who responded to the scene suffered machete wounds.
Seventeen suspects have been arrested in connection with the mob attack.
Those suspects remain entitled to due process, and criminal responsibility has not been determined by a court.
The Commissioner urged residents to avoid self-help, use lawful dispute-resolution channels and continue providing credible information to security agencies.
