Gunmen attacked a bus operated by Benue Links Nigeria Limited on Thursday, killing two people and abducting 12 passengers, the company said in a statement issued Friday in Makurdi.
According to the statement signed by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Ehi, the 18-seater bus with registration number PP512 was traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo when it was ambushed near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area.
The attack claimed the lives of the driver, Mr. Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger, both of whom were fatally shot.
The gunmen reportedly attempted to abduct all the remaining passengers, but three managed to escape. Another passenger had disembarked earlier in Taraku Town, before the attack occurred.
The company, which is owned by the Benue State government, strongly condemned the incident and expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives.
“Our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and those whose loved ones have been taken.
We are maintaining close communication with security agencies, who are actively working to rescue the abducted passengers,” the statement read.
The company also acknowledged the swift response of law enforcement and expressed confidence in ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the attack.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Sewuese Anene, said the incident was reported and further details would be provided as investigations progress.