Gunmen attack Benue bus, kill driver, one other, seize 13 travellers

Gunmen attack Benue bus, kill driver, one other, seize 13 travellers

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have hijacked a Benue Links bus belonging to Benue State Transport Company, killing the driver and kidnapping the passengers on board.

Our correspondent gathered that the incident took place in Ikobi, Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of the state on Thursday night.

According to sources from the area, the gunmen ambushed the bus along the highway, shooting directly at the driver, after which they took the passengers into the bush.

Meanwhile, the management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited has confirmed the incident, while condemning the attack on the company bus.

In a statement signed by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Ehi, and made available to newsmen in Makurdi on Friday, the General Manager, Alexander Fanafa, expressed regrets over the incident.

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He expressed appreciation to the security agencies for their timely response to the incident, even as he expressed confidence in their ability to rescue those abducted.

The statement read: “Benue Links Nigeria Limited regrets to announce the tragic attack on one of its buses, bearing Registration Number PP512, which was en route from Makurdi to Otukpo.

“The incident occurred in the evening of Thursday, April 3, 2025, near Otukpo Burnt Bricks, when armed assailants ambushed the vehicle.

“Regrettably, the driver of the 18-seater bus, Mr Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were fatally shot by the attackers. While the gunmen attempted to abduct the remaining passengers, three individuals managed to escape, and another passenger had disembarked earlier at Taraku town before the incident.

“The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stands in solidarity with those whose loved ones remain in captivity.”

He said the company was in constant communication with security agencies, who are making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted passengers.

Gunmen attack Benue bus, kill driver, one other, seize 13 travellers