At least 17 passengers have reportedly been kidnapped following an attack on a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State. The incident occurred around 8:00pm, leaving only the driver and one passenger who managed to escape.

Suspected armed men have reportedly abducted 17 passengers travelling in a Benue Links bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State.

The incident, which occurred at about 8:00pm on Wednesday, has raised fresh concerns over the security situation along the busy route connecting Makurdi to Otukpo.

According to sources familiar with the development, the bus was conveying passengers mostly young men and women believed to be travelling for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations when it was ambushed by gunmen.

It was gathered that all passengers on board were taken into the surrounding bush, while only the driver and one other managed to escape the attack.

A source said the victims are yet to be located as of the time of filing this report, with fears growing among families and residents over their safety.

The attack adds to a series of security incidents reported in parts of Benue State in recent months, particularly along major highways where travellers have increasingly become targets of kidnappers.

Efforts to reach security authorities for official confirmation were ongoing at the time of this report. However, residents have called for urgent intervention to secure the Makurdi–Otukpo corridor and ensure the safe return of the abducted passengers.

By Benue Info-pedia