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GM visits injured passengers
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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
Not fewer than three passengers heading to Lagos in a Benue Links vehicle have been shot after armed robbers attacked their vehicle in Otukpo Local Government Area of the state.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident took place at about 7:00 p.m. after the Burnt Bricks in Otukpo, when the robbers came out from both sides of the bush and started shooting sporadically.
The victims were rushed to the Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where the Chief Medical Director (CMD) responded promptly and mobilised doctors to attend to them.
In a video making the rounds, one of the survivors, a woman who was visibly shaken by the experience, narrated: “We were on our way to Lagos, around Otukpo axis in between two check points, we were attacked by armed robbers.
“They kept shooting and shooting non stop. They shot three people in the process. From there we came to the teaching hospital for treatment. We thank God for life. I’m in a shock stage right now, I can’t say much,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited has confirmed the attack on the company’s vehicle in Otukpo.
At the time of filing this report on Sunday, the General Manager, Comrade Alexander Fanafa, who confirmed the incident in a statement signed by the Information Officer, Johnson Ehi, had visited the injured passengers at the Teaching Hospital.
The statement read: “The Management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited regrets to confirm an attack on one of its vehicles, PP974, which occurred at the Burnt Bricks area of Otukpo at about 7:00pm on Saturday, 10th January, 2026.
“The vehicle, which departed Gboko en route to Otukpo to lodge for the night and continue its journey the following day, was attacked by suspected gunmen along the route.
“Thankfully, no life was lost during the incident. However, 3 passengers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving medical treatment at the Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where they are responding positively to treatment.”
The GM said upon receiving the distressing report, he promptly travelled to Otukpo early on Sunday, 11th January, 2026, to personally visit the injured passengers.
He joined the Otukpo Business Manager, Mr Edache Joseph, who was already ensuring that the victims were adequately taken care of, and together they provided both logistical and emotional support to the victims.
Fanafa assured the passengers that Benue Links Nigeria Limited will bear the full cost of their medical treatment and will also ensure their safe transportation to their respective destinations once they are certified fit to travel by medical personnel.
He also appreciated the Chief Medical Director and the management of the Teaching Hospital for the prompt and quality healthcare services rendered to the injured passengers.
The General Manager also visited the Otukpo Police Station, where he met with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and officers of the Nigerian Police Force. He expressed appreciation for their prompt response to distress calls involving the company and encouraged them to continue their efforts in combating criminal activities within society.
The General Manager also visited the Otukpo Motor Park, where he addressed drivers of the company on duty and reiterated that the company’s ban on night travel remains in full force.
He warned that any driver found violating this directive would face appropriate disciplinary action. He further advised drivers to always obey traffic regulations, drive responsibly, remain courteous to passengers, and stay security-conscious at all times.
He again assured the general public of the company’s commitment to passenger safety and to continuing to work closely with security agencies to ensure safer travels for all.
