By Adenike Lawal
Twelve passengers traveling in a Benue Links commercial bus were abducted on Sunday evening by armed men near Eke, along the Ugbokolo-Otukpo road in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
The bus, en route to Makurdi from Abeokuta, was attacked around 6:30 p.m. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen ambushed the vehicle, robbed the passengers, and marched them into a nearby forest.
One passenger managed to escape and reported the incident at the Eke Police Station, prompting a swift response from security forces.
Benue Links Nigeria Limited confirmed the attack in a statement, revealing that the bus, with registration number 14B-143BN, was later found abandoned with some personal items left behind. The driver and 11 passengers remain missing.
“This is an extremely regrettable incident,” said company spokesperson Johnson Ehi. “We’re working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe return of those abducted.”
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the abduction. Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said joint security forces, including the military and Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, have launched a manhunt.
One of the victims, identified as Paul Terns, was rescued after escaping from his captors during the operation.
Security has been reinforced in the area as the search continues. The incident adds to growing concerns over rising insecurity on Nigeria’s highways.