The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that unknown gunmen hijacked a Benue Links Nigeria Ltd buson Sunday evening and kidnapped all passengers on board.
In a statement issued on Monday in Makurdi, the command’s spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the incident occurred at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
“We are investigating a suspected kidnapping involving a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-43BN, found parked by the roadside in Ugbokolo,” Edet stated.
She disclosed that a joint team of police tactical units, military personnel, and Benue State Community Protection Guards responded swiftly to the scene.
“During the search operation, one passenger, identified as Paul Terna, who managed to escape from the abductors, was rescued,” Edet added.
She said reinforcement has been deployed to the area to intensify the search and rescue the remaining abducted victims.
Company Confirms Incident, 11 Still Missing
The management of Benue Links Nigeria Ltd also confirmed the attack in a separate statement, expressing deep concern over the safety of its passengers.
The company’s spokesperson, Mr. Johnson Ehi, said the incident occurred at around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, while the bus was en route from Abeokuta to Makurdi.
“The vehicle, which departed Abeokuta with 12 passengers and the driver, was later discovered by the roadside with some of the passengers’ luggage, but 11 passengers and the driver remain missing,” Ehi said.
He added that the escapee reached Eke Police Station, where he reported the ambush by armed kidnappers.
Condemnation and Assurance of Support
Benue Links condemned the criminal act, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families.
“We are actively collaborating with security agencies who are working diligently to ensure the safe return of the abducted passengers and the driver,” the statement read.
The company also commended the swift response by law enforcement, expressing confidence in their efforts to bring the situation to a safe and prompt resolution.
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