Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted several passengers, including candidates heading for the ongoing JAMB examination, after attacking a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi-Otukpo road in Benue State.
Attack on night journey
The incident occurred on Wednesday night when the bus, travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo, was ambushed near its destination.
Passengers on board were reportedly young men and women heading to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination scheduled for Thursday.
A source said the vehicle, carrying about 18 passengers, was waylaid around 8pm, with most occupants taken into the bush.
“Two people, the driver and one passenger, managed to escape. Incidentally, the passengers were mainly young men and women going to write JAMB,” the source said.
Police confirm abduction
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the attack, stating that 14 passengers were abducted while one victim escaped.
He said security operatives had launched a rescue operation and were already combing the area.
“I am in Otukpo now with my team, heading the operation. Fourteen passengers were kidnapped, and one escaped,” he said.
Investigation underway
The police also revealed that the journey may have violated transport regulations, noting that Benue Links has a policy against night travel.
According to the commissioner, the driver allegedly picked up passengers after official hours, a development now under investigation.
“But as we are investigating, we are on the ground to make sure that the victims are rescued,” he added.
Local authorities react
Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed the attack and said security operatives had been deployed into nearby forests.
“The victims are mainly young boys and girls coming to Otukpo to write JAMB,” he said.
Rising insecurity on route
The Makurdi-Otukpo road has witnessed repeated attacks in recent months, raising concerns among travellers and residents over growing insecurity in the area.
The latest incident adds to fears around the safety of commuters, especially students travelling for national examinations.