Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has commended the gallant troops of Operation Whirl Stroke for the successful rescue of the abducted passengers along the Makurdi–Otukpo road, including young Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates.
This was contrary to the statement issued on Saturday by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) that no UTME candidate was among the travellers kidnapped.
The kidnapped victims reportedly regained freedom on Sunday after spending about three days in captivity.
They were brought to the Benue State Government House in Makurdi by the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ifeanyi Emenari, accompanied by their parents and guardians, for official reception by Governor Hyacinth Alia.
Reacting to the development in a post on his official X handle, Atiku praised the men and women in uniform for their courage, professionalism, and an unyielding commitment to the protection of innocent Nigerians, noting that their sacrifice and vigilance continue to inspire hope across the country.
While celebrating the successful rescue of the victims, the former VP stressed the urgent need to strengthen the nation’s security architecture, to ensure that every Nigerian can travel without fear.
He noted that “Nigeria must work and it will work when we support and equip those who stand daily in defense of our people.”
