At least 12 passengers traveling on a Benue Links bus have been abducted by armed men along the Ugbokolo-Otukpo Road in the Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday near Eke, when the bus, which was en route to Makurdi from Abeokuta, Ogun State, was intercepted by gunmen.
The assailants reportedly robbed the passengers before forcing them into a nearby forest.
In a statement, Benue Links Nigeria Limited confirmed the abduction and described the incident as regrettable.
According to the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Ehi, the attacked bus, with registration number 14B – 143BN, had departed Abeokuta with 12 passengers and a driver.
The vehicle was later found abandoned by the roadside with some of the passengers’ belongings still inside. One passenger managed to escape and reported the ambush to the Eke Police Station.
“Benue Links Nigeria Limited strongly condemns this attack on our passengers and vehicle.
We are in close collaboration with security agencies working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of those abducted,” the company stated.
The management also praised the swift response of law enforcement authorities and expressed hope for a quick and safe resolution.