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Gunmen ambushed an 18-seater bus belonging to the Benue State Transport Company, popularly known as Benue Links, on Thursday night, killing the driver and a front-seat passenger while abducting other passengers.
The bus, which departed Makurdi, the Benue State capital, was heading to Otukpo when it was attacked at Ikobi, a few kilometres from Otukpo town.
Sources said the attackers swiftly led the kidnapped passengers into the bush.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, Maxwell Ogiri, told our correspondent on Friday that five passengers were abducted, while a female passenger managed to escape.
“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.
However, the management of Benue Links later confirmed on Friday that the driver, identified as Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were killed.
The statement, signed by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Daniel, also noted that three passengers managed to escape.
“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 came just hours after Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, visited Otukpo following protests by residents over rising insecurity in the area. The governor had assured them of his administration’s commitment to strengthening security in the region.
Ironically, the attack occurred shortly after he left the town, leaving residents further devastated.
