From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
A Benue Links bus with registration number 14B-143BN has been reportedly attacked, robbed, and its passengers abducted by suspected kidnappers.
Our correspondent gathered that the incident took place at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2025, along the Eke axis of Okpokwu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
According to sources, the assailants waylaid the bus and robbed the occupants of their valuables before whisking 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 her buses, with Registration Number 14B-143BN, which was attacked while en route from Abeokuta to Makurdi.
“The attack occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on 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 reached the Eke Police Station and reported that the bus was ambushed by armed kidnappers.
“Benue Links Nigeria Limited strongly condemns the attack 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.”
They 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.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the incident.
She said, “We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer bus with reg number 14B-143BN was parked by the road in Ugbokolo.
“On receipt of the information, police tactical teams, military, and Benue State Community Volunteer Guards arrived at the scene, combed the bush, and rescued one Paul Terna, who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers.”
Udeme said additional reinforcements have been sent to the area to locate other passengers as soon as possible.