Again, Gunmen Hijack Benue Links Bus Abduct 12 Passengers

…We ‘ll bring this distressing situation to a safe- Mgt

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

Unknown gunmen suspected to be kidnappers, have again, hijacked a Benue Links Bus with registration number 14B-143BN and abducted 12 passengers on board, leaving only one. 

The latest incident brought to  five times this year 2025, that Benue links bus would be attacked and hijacked by suspected kidnappers and passengers taken on hostage.

The Nations News gathered that the latest incident happened at about 6:30 pm on Sunday at Eke community, along the Enugu- Ugbokolo-Otukpo Federal Highway in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.

It was further gathered that the suspected abductors, first attacked the bus, robbed all the passengers on board before taken them to unknown destination.

According to eyewitnesses, the Benue State All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Comrade Austin Agada, who happened to be plying the road shortly after the incident, alerted the security personnel stationed around the area.

One of the eyewitnesses told The Nations News correspondent on phone on condition of anonymity that, despite that comrade Agada, immediately alerted and mobilized soldiers and policemen to the area to rescue the victims, the kidnappers succeeded in whisky away their victims. 

“The APC State  Chairman, Austin Agada, did his best. He contacted the local youths and vigilante groups from the three villages around Eke who swiftly swung into action and started combing the surrounding bushes to rescue the kidnapped victims. 

“Luckily, one of the victims who was abandoned closed to the mainroad was rescued. But for now, no one knows the whereabout of the rest of the kidnapped victims

“Agada has also sent the details of the vehicle and the military personnel undertaking the rescue operation to management of Benue Links for  proper coordination”, the eyewitness said.

When contacted the Benue State Command Police Public Relations Officer PPRO DSP Edet Udeme confirmed the incident, saying police personnel have been drafted to the area for rescue operation.

“We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer Bus with registration number, 14B-43BN packed by the road in Ugbokolo.

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

“Additional reinforcement, have been sent to the location to locate other passengers as soon as possible”, Udeme stated 

Meanwhile, the Benue Links Nigeria Limited confirmed the development, saying that the company regret to inform the public of an unfortunate incident involving one of it buses, with Registration Number 14B – 143BN.

The company disclosed that the bus was attacked while en route Makurdi from Abeokuta, while the attack occurred  at about 6:30pm of Sunday, 22nd June 2025, at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State.

The information officer of the State owned transport outfit, Ehi Johnson in a Statement on Monday morning, said 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 reach 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”. 

“We commend the swift response of law enforcement agencies and expressed confidence in their ongoing efforts to bring this distressing situation to a safe and prompt resolution”, the statement said.