Nine passengers, including the driver of a Benue State-owned transport company bus, were abducted by gunmen on Saturday in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
According to reports, the kidnapping took place around 7 pm on Saturday, while the passengers were on the return journey from Orba market in Enugu State to Owukpa.
Grace Ogwuche, a resident of Owukpa, spoke to pressmen, revealing that the kidnappers shot the diver and one of the passengers.
“They shot the driver and one other person, causing the vehicle to lose control and veer off the road. The other passengers were later kidnapped.
“I want to call on the Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Council to liaise with relevant security agencies to act fast to rescue the victims,” she shared.
It was also gathered that one of the passengers who sustained severe gunshot wounds was left behind due to excessive bleeding.
The individual is reportedly receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of St. Mary’s Hospital in Okpoga, Okpokwu LGA.
When reached for comment, the Commissioner for Energy and Transport, Omale Omale, stated that he had not yet received any such report.
“I kindly refer you to the general manager of Benue Link. He has the authority to speak on my behalf, although he has yet to bring the incident to my knowledge.”