Unknown Gunmen Hijack Bus, Kidnap Passengers In Benue
The Benue State Police Command on Monday said gunmen have hijacked a Benue Links Nigeria Ltd. bus and kidnapped the passengers on board.
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, who confirmed the development in a statement in Makurdi, said that the incident took place on Sunday evening.
Edet, however, stated that one passenger later escaped from the abductors.
“We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer boss with registration number 14B-43BN was parked by the road in Ugbokolo.
“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.
“Additional reinforcements have been sent to the location to locate other passengers as soon as possible,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Benue Links Nigeria Ltd management has also confirmed the attack and kidnapping.
The company’s spokesperson, Mr Johnson Ehi, said in a statement that 10 passengers and the driver were still missing.
“Benue Links Nigeria Ltd regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident involving one of its buses, with registration number 14B-143BN, which was attacked while en route from Abeokuta to Makurdi.
“The attack occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue.
“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,” Ehi said.
(NAN)
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
