In yet another brazen display of lawlessness, heavily armed gunmen unleashed terror on commuters in Benue State on Thursday evening, killing two and abducting 13 passengers aboard a commercial bus operated by Benue Links Nigeria Limited.
The gruesome attack occurred near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area in Otukpo Local Government Area, plunging families into anguish and renewing concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Nigeria’s Middle Belt region.
The ill-fated 18-seater bus, bearing registration number PP512, was en route from Makurdi to Otukpo when it was ambushed by the gunmen. According to an official statement from the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Daniel, the driver, Mr. Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were shot dead on the spot.
The attackers subsequently forced the remaining passengers into the surrounding bush. Three managed to escape during the chaos, while another had fortuitously disembarked earlier at Taraku town—narrowly avoiding the tragic fate that befell others.
“Benue Links Nigeria Limited regrets to announce the tragic attack on one of its buses… We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stand in unwavering solidarity with those whose loved ones are in captivity,” the statement read. “Efforts are in full swing, in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure the safe and prompt rescue of the abducted passengers.”
The company also expressed appreciation for the swift intervention of security operatives and assured the public that all necessary channels are being pursued to resolve the crisis.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer for Benue State Command, SP Anene Sewuese Catherine, said: “A kidnap incident involving a Benue Links vehicle has been reported. More details will be made available shortly.”
As of the time of filing this report, tension remains high across the affected communities, with residents calling for increased security patrols along the Makurdi-Otukpo axis—an area increasingly associated with deadly ambushes.
This latest attack adds to the growing list of insecurity-related tragedies in Benue State, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of the nation’s security architecture.
PIONEER NEWS 