Gunmen on Thursday night ambushed a passenger bus belonging to the Benue State Transport Company, Benue Links, killing two and abducting several others in a brutal attack near Otukpo.
The 18-seater bus was en route from Makurdi, the state capital, to Otukpo when it came under attack at Ikobi, a location just a few kilometres from its destination.
The assailants reportedly opened fire, killing the driver and a front-seat passenger on the spot before leading several other passengers into the nearby forest.
Local sources revealed that the kidnappers acted swiftly, disappearing with their captives before help could arrive.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, stated on Friday that five passengers had been abducted, while a female passenger managed to escape and was now assisting police with their investigation.
“It is true the incident happened Thursday night, and it involved a Benue Links vehicle travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo,” Ogiri said.
“The driver of the bus was shot dead, and another passenger sustained a gunshot injury, while the gunmen whisked away five passengers. However, this morning, a female passenger escaped from the kidnappers and is currently briefing the police in Otukpo,” he added.
Meanwhile, Benue Links’ management later confirmed the tragic loss of their driver, Mr. Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger.
In a statement signed by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Daniel, the firm also revealed that three passengers had managed to escape, while another had alighted from the vehicle at Taraku prior to the attack.
“Regrettably, the driver of the 18-seater bus, Mr. Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were fatally shot by the attackers. While the gunmen attempted to abduct the remaining passengers, three individuals managed to escape, and another passenger had disembarked earlier at Taraku town before the incident,” the statement read.
“The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stands in solidarity with those whose loved ones remain in captivity. We assure the general public that we are in constant communication with security agencies, who are making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted passengers,” it added.
The attack happened mere hours after Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia visited Otukpo to address public outcry over the growing wave of insecurity.
The governor had assured residents of increased security measures, but the incident occurring shortly after his departure has only deepened the community’s sense of fear and frustration.
