By Winnie Onu, Makurdi
Gunmen have kidnapped passengers traveling in a Benue Links bus along the Eke axis of Okpokwu Local Government Area in Benue State.
The incident occurred on Sunday around 6:30pm, when the kidnappers reportedly ambushed the vehicle, a Benue State-owned transport bus with registration number 14B-143BN.
Eyewitnesses said the passengers were first robbed of their valuables before being forcefully taken into the surrounding bush.
Security operatives, including soldiers, police, and members of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, were swiftly mobilised to the scene following distress calls from eyewitnesses.
Local youths and vigilante groups from nearby communities are also said to joined the search operation.
It was gathered that officials of Benue Links were immediately notified with full details of the incident and ongoing rescue efforts to enable a coordinated response.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said tactical teams had already swung into action.
“We are investigating a suspected kidnapping involving a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-143BN found parked by the roadside in Ugbokolo.
“Upon receiving the information, our tactical teams, the military, and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards arrived at the scene. One of the passengers, Paul Terns, was rescued after managing to escape from the kidnappers,” she said.
Edet added that additional reinforcements have been deployed to the area to track down the abductors and secure the release of the remaining victims.
As of the time of this report, the whereabouts of the other passengers remain unknown.
