Gunmen abduct Benue links passengers

Gunmen have abducted all passengers on board a commercial bus belonging to the Benue State government, popularly known as Benue Links, along the Eke axis of Okpokwu Local Government Area.

Witnesses said the Benue Links bus, with registration number 14B-143BN, was hijacked on Sunday evening, and the passengers reportedly robbed, before being abducted to an unknown destination.

“The incident happened around 6:30pm,” a witness simply identified as Vincent, said.

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The witness further said that soldiers and policemen were alerted and deployed to the location to initiate rescue efforts, while local youths and vigilante groups from the three villages around Eke took up surveillance and combed the surrounding bushes in search of the kidnapped victims.

When contacted, the Public Relations Officer of Benue Links Transport Company, Ehi Johnson, confirmed that the company’s bus was attacked on Sunday at about 6:30pm while returning to Makurdi with passengers from Abeokuta in Ogun state.

Ehi stated, “Benue Links Nigeria Limited regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident involving one of her buses, with Registration Number 14B – 143BN, which was attacked while en route Makurdi from Abeokuta. The attack occurred at about 6:30pm of Sunday, 22nd June 2025, at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State.

“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. One passenger managed to escape and reach the Eke Police Station and reported that the bus was ambushed by armed kidnappers.

“Benue Links Nigeria Limited strongly condemns the attacked on her vehicle and passengers by criminal elements. We stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of those affected, and we assure the public that we are actively collaborating with security agencies, who are working diligently to secure the safe return of the abducted passengers and the driver.

“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.”

Spokesperson for Benue Police command DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the incident, saying that one of the victims has been rescued while efforts were ongoing to trail the whereabouts of the remaining victims.

“We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer boss with reg number 14B-43BN packed by the road in in Ugbokolo. On receipt of the information police tactical teams, military and Benue State Protection Guard arrived at the scene, they combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terns who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers.

“Additional reinforcement, have been sent to the location to locate other passengers as soon as possible,” Edet stated.