Gunmen suspected Fulani herdsmen on Thursday evening ambushed an 18-seater Benue Links bus, killing the driver and one front seat passenger and then escaped into the bush with 13 others.
The incident occurred at Ikobi community in Otukpo Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue State. The bus was travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo.
According to a statement made available to the media by a spokesperson of Benue Links, Daniel Johnson security forces have been notified on the kidnapping.
“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.
“We assure the general public that we are in constant communication with security agencies, who are making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted passengers.
“We appreciate the swift response of the law enforcement agencies and express confidence in their ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted passengers,” said the statement.
