Several rescued from 14 kidnapped bus passengers in Nigeria's Benue State

The victims were passengers on a bus traveling to Makurdi, not young people heading to a university entrance exam as previously reported. Udeme Edet, spokesperson for the Benue police, stated in a press release that officers are conducting a targeted search and rescue mission in the Amla forest and surrounding areas. The operation successfully rescued some victims, who are currently receiving medical care.

The exact number of rescued individuals was not specified. Kidnappings for ransom are common in Nigeria, which has seen a surge in attacks in recent months, particularly in its northern half, by criminal gangs known as "bandits" and jihadists. Benue State is also located in a region frequently experiencing tensions between Muslim Fulani herders and predominantly Christian farmers over land and natural resources.