Thirteen passengers, including the driver of a Benue Links bus, have been abducted by gunmen in Okpokwu LGA of Benue state.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening at Eke-Elengbecho community when the bus reportedly traveling from Abeokuta, Ogun state, to Makurdi was intercepted by armed men.
According to sources, one of the passengers escaped and alerted officers at the Eke police division.
Udeme Edet, spokesperson of the Benue state police command, confirmed the development in a statement.
“Yes, there was a bus that was stopped and about 13 people, including the driver, were abducted,” Edet said. we are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer boss with registration number 14B-43BN was parked by the road in Ugbokolo.
“On receipt of the information, police tactical teams, military and Benue State Civil Protection Guards arrived at the scene; they combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terna, who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers.
“One person was rescued. A special intelligence team has been deployed to investigate the case. Investigations are still ongoing, and the commissioner of police is currently on the case as we speak.”
“Additional reinforcements have been sent to the location to locate other passengers as soon as possible,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Benue Links Nigeria Ltd management has also confirmed the attack and kidnapping.
The company’s spokesperson, Mr Johnson Ehi, said in a statement that 10 passengers and the driver were still missing.
“Benue Links Nigeria Ltd regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident involving one of its buses, with registration number 14B-143BN, which was attacked while en route from Abeokuta to Makurdi.
“The attack occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue.
“The vehicle, which departed Abeokuta with 12 passengers and the driver, was later discovered by the roadside at Eke with some of the passengers’ luggage; however, the driver and 11 passengers were missing.
“Benue Links Nigeria Ltd regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident involving one of its buses, with registration number 14B-143BN, which was attacked while en route from Abeokuta to Makurdi.
“The attack occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue.
“The vehicle, which departed Abeokuta with 12 passengers and the driver, was later discovered by the roadside at Eke with some of the passengers’ luggage; however, the driver and 11 passengers were missing.