From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
A Benue Links bus with registration number: 14B-143 BN has been reportedly attacked, robbed, and its passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m on Sunday, June 22, 2025, along the Eke axis of Okpokwu Local Government (LG), Benue State.
According to sources, the assailants waylaid the bus and robbed the occupants of their valuables before taking them away into the nearby bush.
The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited has confirmed the incident.
In a statement signed by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Ehi Daniel, the General Manager, Alexander Fanafa said:”Benue Links Nigeria Limited 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 Makurdi from Abeokuta.
He said: “The attack occurred at about 6:30pm of Sunday, June 22,2025, at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu LG .
“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 reached 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.”
He commended the swift response of law enforcement agencies and expressed confidence in their ongoing efforts to bring the distressing situation to a safe and prompt resolution.
Benue state Police Public Relations Officer( PPRO) DSP Udeme Edet also confirmed the incident.
She said:”We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer boss with reg number 14B-143BN packed by the road in Ugbokolo.
“On receipt of the information police tactical teams, military and Benue State Civil Protection Guards arrived at the scene, combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terns ,who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers.”
Udeme said additional reinforcement have been sent to the area to locate other passengers as soon as possible.