By Ayomide Otitoju
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have attacked a commercial bus operated by Benue Links Nigeria, abducting several passengers believed to be candidates travelling for the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The incident occurred between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday along the Burnt Bricks axis of Otukpo in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources said the attackers ambushed the vehicle, robbed passengers of their belongings, and forced them into the surrounding bush. Initial reports indicated that about 17 candidates were feared abducted, although the exact number remains unclear.
An eyewitness said the bus, conveying about 18 passengers—mostly young people heading to sit for the UTME—ran into the assailants around 8:00 p.m., adding that the driver and one passenger managed to escape.
Confirming the incident, General Manager of Benue Links, Alexander Fanafa, said the driver is currently under police investigation for violating the company’s policy prohibiting travel beyond 6:00 p.m. He noted that the driver allegedly picked up passengers after official hours, contrary to operational guidelines.
The Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the attack, stating that security operatives have been deployed to the area to rescue the victims.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said 14 passengers were abducted while one escaped. He added that he is personally leading the rescue operation in the area, with officers already combing nearby forests.
The police have commenced an investigation into the incident, particularly the circumstances surrounding the journey, as efforts intensify to secure the release of the victims.
