The management of Benue State Transport Company, widely known as Benue Links Nigeria Limited, has confirmed that the bus intercepted by gunmen on Sunday was traveling from Abeokuta, Ogun State, to Makurdi.
In a statement released on Monday by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Daniel, and shared with journalists in Makurdi, it was revealed that the vehicle had 12 passengers and a driver on board at the time of the incident.
According to the statement, one of the passengers was able to escape and informed the police at the Eke Police Station about the attack.
The statement read partly, “We regret to inform the public of an unfortunate incident involving one of her buses, with Registration Number 14B-143BN, which was attacked while en route Makurdi from Abeokuta.”
“The attack occurred at about 6:30 pm on Sunday, 22nd June 2025, at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State.”
“The vehicle, which departed Abeokuta with 12 passengers and the driver, was later discovered by the roadside at Eke with some of the passengers’ luggage; however, the driver and 11 passengers were missing.”
“One passenger managed to escape and reach the Eke Police Station and reported that the bus was ambushed by armed kidnappers.”
While denouncing the violent act, the company reassured the public that efforts are ongoing in partnership with security forces to ensure the safe recovery of the kidnapped passengers and the driver.
Earlier, PUNCH Online reported that the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, Udeme Edet, confirmed the abduction and stated that security forces are actively searching the surrounding forest area to recover the missing individuals.
Edet said, “We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-43BN was parked by the road in Ugbokolo, (Okpokwu LGA).”
“On receipt of the information, police tactical teams, military and Benue State Protection Guard arrived at the scene.”
“They combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terna, who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers.”
“Additional reinforcement has been sent to locate other passengers as soon as possible.”
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