BY TERKURA AKAA SAKERA ,MAKURDI
Unknown gunmen have killed two persons and abducted eleven other passengers, during an attack on a Benue Links bus at Ikobi, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue state on Thursday.
Sportday learned that the gunmen had ambushed the vehicle, which took off from Makurdi, close to Otukpo town, instantly shooting to death the driver and another passenger that sat in the front seat.
We also gathered that the abductors took away eleven passengers, while two others escaped. The assailants however left behind a toddler that was also a passenger in the vehicle.
Meanwhile, SP Sewuese Anene, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benue State Command who confirmed the incident, said she was yet to be availed of details of the incident.
She said, “A kidnap incident involving a Benue Links vehicle has been reported but details will be at my disposal very soon.”
Also confirming the incident, the management of Benue Links condemned the attack, even as it stated that it was in contact with security outfits, who are working on rescuing those that were abducted.
The management of the company which made this known in a statement signed by the Information Officer of the organization, Johnson Ehi, regretted the attack which it described as “tragic”
He further stated that “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.
“We assure the general public that we are 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. End.
