On Friday, April 4, Benue Links Nigeria Limited confirmed a tragic attack on one of its buses by gunmen, which led to the death of two people and the abduction of 12 passengers.
According to the company’s Information Officer, Mr. Johnson Ehi, the incident occurred on Thursday, April 3, near Otukpo Burnt Bricks while the bus, registered as PP512, was traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo.
The gunmen killed the bus driver, Mr. Samuel Agege, and a passenger sitting in the front seat. “Regrettably, the driver and a passenger were fatally shot by the attackers,” Ehi explained. Although the gunmen attempted to kidnap the other passengers, three managed to escape, and one passenger had already gotten off at Taraku Town before the incident occurred.
The company strongly condemned the attack and expressed deep sympathy with the families of the victims. “The management extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stands in solidarity with those whose loved ones remain in captivity,” the statement said. “We assure the general public that we are in constant communication with security agencies, who are making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted passengers.”
The Benue Police Command confirmed the attack, but the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, said further details would be provided later.
The company thanked law enforcement for their quick response and expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts to rescue the kidnapped passengers.
