Gunmen attack commercial bus, abduct 18 JAMB candidates in Benue
Suspected gunmen have abducted 18 passengers, mostly Joint Admissions Matriculation Examination (JAMB) candidates travelling to write their examination, after attacking a Benue Links Transport commercial bus in Otukpo, Benue State.
Suspected gunmen have abducted 18 passengers, mostly Joint Admissions Matriculation Examination (JAMB) candidates travelling to write their examination, after attacking a Benue Links Transport commercial bus in Otukpo, Benue State.
The Nation learnt the commercial vehicle that conveyed the JAMB candidates was attacked on Otukpo Road and the candidates whisked away by the kidnappers.
The incident, which occurred late at night, has heightened concerns about the rising insecurity in the area, with only two individuals, the driver and one passenger, reportedly escaping.
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Otukpo, a major town in Benue South, has experienced intermittent security challenges in recent years, including kidnappings and armed attacks along key routes.
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According to preliminary reports, the bus was ambushed while in transit on Tuesday night, and the attackers forced the vehicle to stop before abducting the passengers into a nearby bush.
Sources said the abducted victims remain unaccounted for at the time of reporting, and the exact location of the incident and the identities of the victims have yet to be confirmed.
The incident has sparked concern among residents and commuters, many of whom are calling for urgent security intervention.
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Some residents described the attack as “terrifying” and questioned the safety of travelling within the region.
Authorities have yet to release a statement on the attack.
However, the development raises fresh concerns about the security of road transport in Benue.
Will security agencies respond swiftly enough to secure the victims’ release and prevent further attacks.
At press time, Benue State Police Command said they were yet to get to report .
Attempts to speak with the Information Officer of Benue Links Transport Company, John Ehi, failed as he neither answered his phone calls nor replied to text messages sent to him.
