Benue: 16 bus passengers abducted, two rescued

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Less than 24 hours after nine worshippers were kidnapped at St John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, Utonkon, in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, 16 passengers have been abducted by gunmen at Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga Road, Ado LGA of the state.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident happened around 7pm on Monday, February 9, 2026, while they were travelling from Oju to the western part of the country for work.

A witness told newsmen in Makurdi that the passengers departed Iheijwo Market, Oju LGA, around 7pm, with the driver passing through Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga Road, Ado LGA, Benue State, when the kidnappers intercepted them and whisked 15 passengers into the bush. One person was shot dead when the driver refused to stop.

It was also gathered that the gunmen collected their phones to prevent them from contacting their relatives. The bus is currently at Utonkon Police Station, but the passengers’ whereabouts are unknown.

Chairman of Oju LGA, Jackson Ominyi, who confirmed the incident, said two persons were shot dead while another two were rescued through the effort of his Okpokwu counterpart.

He commended the efforts of the Okpokwu chairman for ensuring the rescue of the two persons so far and also his assurance to rescue all remaining 12 abductees.

As of this report, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comments.