News Editor
From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, on Thursday hijacked a Benue Links bus from the Benue state Transport Company, killed the driver and also kidnapped the passengers on board.
Sources from the area stated that the incident took place in Ikobi, Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of the State in the night.
It was said that the gunmen ambushed the bus along the highway, shooting directly at the driver after which they took the passengers into the bush.
Confirming the incident, the management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited condemned the attack on the company bus while lao mourning the victim.
In a statement signed by the company’s Information Officer Johnson Ehi and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday, the General Manager of the company, Alexander Fanafa, regretted the incident.
He stated that management is in contact with security agencies expressing confidence in their ability to rescue the abducted passengers.
The statement read, “Benue Links Nigeria Limited regrets to announce the tragic attack on one of its buses, bearing Registration Number PP512, which was en route from Makurdi to Otukpo.
“The incident occurred in the evening of Thursday, April 3, 2025, near Otukpo Burnt Bricks, when armed assailants ambushed the vehicle.
“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 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.”
He said the company is in constant communication with security agencies, who are making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted passengers.
“We appreciate the swift response of the law enforcement agencies and express confidence in their ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted passengers,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Benue state Police Command had confirmed that such an incident was reported to the police.
The command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), CSP Catherine Anene in a message said “A kidnap incident involving a Benue Links vehicle has been reported but details will be at my disposal very soon please.”
