Benue State Police Command has confirmed the attack on a fully-loaded bus by suspected kidnappers.
The bus, belonging to Benue Links Transport Company was hijacked by gunmen on Sunday evening.
All the passengers were taken into the bush along the Otukpo-Otukpa road on Sunday evening.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Edet Udeme said the incident involved a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-143BN, which was found abandoned by the roadside in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu Local Government Area.
In a statement on Monday, she said: "Upon receiving the distress information, police tactical teams, in collaboration with the military and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, swiftly mobilised to the scene.”
During the combing of the surrounding forest, the team rescued one of the victims, identified as Paul Terns, who managed to escape from the abductors.
The PPRO assured that additional reinforcements have been deployed to the area to intensify the search for the remaining passengers and ensure their safe return.
The Police Command urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with ongoing investigations.