Gunmen have hijacked a Benue Links Nigeria Ltd. bus and kidnapped its passengers along the Okpokwu axis of Benue State, the police confirmed on Monday.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening, and according to the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue Command, DSP Udeme Edet, one of the abducted passengers managed to escape.
“We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-43BN was found parked by the roadside in Ugbokolo,” she stated.
“On receipt of the information, police tactical teams, the 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.”
Edet confirmed that reinforcements had been deployed to the area to locate and rescue the remaining passengers.
Meanwhile, Benue Links Nigeria Ltd. has also confirmed the attack and abductions. In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Mr Johnson Ehi, the company said 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 statement read.
Ehi explained that the incident took place around 6:30 p.m. at Eke Elengbecho in Okpokwu Local Government Area. The bus, which had departed Abeokuta with 12 passengers and the driver, was later found abandoned by the roadside with some luggage still on board.
“One passenger managed to escape and reported to Eke Police Station that the vehicle was ambushed by armed kidnappers,” he added.
The company condemned the attack and expressed solidarity with the affected families. It also affirmed that it was working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted persons.
“We commend the swift response of law enforcement agencies and express confidence in their ongoing efforts to bring this distressing situation to a safe and prompt resolution,” Ehi said.
(NAN)