Benue Link bus
By THOMAS AKASE, Makurdi –
A chilling incident of kidnapping unfolded on Sunday evening in Benue State, when gunmen hijacked a Benue Links Nigeria Ltd bus and abducted its passengers.
The bus, with registration number 14B-143BN, was traveling from Abeokuta to Makurdi when it was ambushed by armed kidnappers at Eke Elengbecho in Okpokwu Local Government Area of the state.
According to eyewitnesses, the kidnappers attacked the bus at around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, overpowering the driver and passengers.
The vehicle was later found abandoned by the roadside with some of the passengers’ luggage, but the driver and 11 passengers were missing.
*Police Confirmation*
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the incident, with Police Public Relations Officer DSP Udeme Edet stating that one passenger, Paul Terna, managed to escape from the abductors.
“We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-43BN was parked by the road in Ugbokolo,” Edet said.
“On receipt of the information, police tactical teams, military, and Benue State Civil Protection Guards arrived at the scene; they combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terna, who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers.”
*Benue Links’ management response*
The management of Benue Links Nigeria Ltd also confirmed the attack and kidnapping.
The company’s spokesperson Mr. Johnson Ehi, in a statement on Monday, expressed shock and condemnation.
He said: “Benue Links Nigeria Ltd regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident involving one of its buses…which was attacked while en route from Abeokuta to Makurdi,” Ehi said.
“We stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of those affected”.
“We assure the public that we are actively collaborating with security agencies to ensure the safe return of the abducted passengers and the driver.”
