Again, Suspected Kidnappers hijack Benue Links Bus, abduct 12 passengers

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers has, again, hijacked a commercial bus belonging to Benue Links company with registration number 14B-143BN, robbed, and abducted the passengers including the driver.

It was gathered that the incident took place 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 at about 6:30 p.m, robbed the occupants of their valuables before whisking them into the nearby bush.

The General Manager of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Alexander Fanafa has confirmed the incident

In a statement signed by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Ehi Daniel, 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 Makurdi from Abeokuta.

He said “The attack occurred at about 6:30pm of 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 attacked 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.”

The 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.

The Benue State Police Command has also confirmed the incident saying they are already investigating the matter.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet said “We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-143BN packed by the road in Ugbokolo.

“On receipt of the information police tactical teams, military and Benue State Civil Protection Guards arrived at the scene, combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terns who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers.”

Udeme said additional reinforcement have been sent to the area to locate other passengers as soon as possible.