Still in, just days after the youth protest and riot about the killings, calamity strikes again as tragedy struck on Sunday evening in Benue State as gunmen hijacked a commercial bus belonging to Benue Links Nigeria Ltd., abducting nearly all passengers and the driver on board.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday, disclosing that the attack occurred in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu Local Government Area.
Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said the vehicle, a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-43BN, was discovered abandoned by the roadside.
“On receipt of the information, police tactical teams, the military, and Benue State Civil Protection Guards arrived at the scene. They combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terna, who had managed to escape from the kidnappers,” Edet stated.
She added that additional reinforcements had been deployed to the area to intensify the search and rescue operation for the remaining victims.
Meanwhile, Benue Links Nigeria Ltd also confirmed the attack. In a press statement, the company’s spokesperson, Mr. Johnson Ehi, described the situation as “deeply regrettable,” confirming that 11 people, including the driver, are still missing.
“The incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu Local Government Area,” Ehi said.
“The vehicle, which left Abeokuta en route to Makurdi with 12 passengers and a driver, was found at Eke with some passengers' luggage intact. However, the driver and 11 passengers were unaccounted for.”
According to the company, the ordeal came to light when one passenger managed to escape and alerted the police at Eke Police Station, narrating how the bus was ambushed by armed men.
Benue Links condemned the attack in strong terms, labeling it an “unprovoked assault on innocent civilians by criminal elements.” The company expressed its solidarity with the victims’ families and promised full cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
“We are actively collaborating with the security agencies, who are working diligently to ensure the safe return of the abducted passengers and driver,” Ehi added.
“We commend the swift response of the law enforcement agencies and remain confident in their ability to bring this distressing situation to a safe and prompt resolution.”
The incident adds to a growing wave of kidnappings and banditry that have plagued parts of Nigeria, particularly on major highways.
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