According to an operational update released in Abuja on Sunday, the victims were recovered during a coordinated search-and-rescue mission carried out in the early hours of the day. The operation led soldiers to a forest in Okete Ward, within Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, where the captives were held.
Those freed include Hycent Oko (56), Elaiguli Joshua (25), Orili Raphael (29), Sunday Augustine (18), Emmanuel Elaicha (21), Gbile Nguyor Daniel (18), Ukacha Tersoo (18), and Nyikwagh Aoridakator (22).
Others are Iornav Ngukuhan (18), Nyikwagh Benjamin (18), Buker Agatha (19), Paul Wende (29), and Akor Jessica (19).
Following their rescue, the victims were promptly taken to the General Hospital in Otukpo for urgent medical care, particularly for injuries sustained during their ordeal.
The report also indicated that three of the initially abducted 17 passengers had earlier escaped on their own and safely reunited with their families. Efforts are still underway to secure the release of those who remain in captivity.
It further revealed that eight of the abducted passengers were candidates preparing for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.
