Gunmen have abducted at least 14 travellers along the Utonkon–Okpoga Road in Benue State after attacking a commercial bus conveying passengers from Oju and Obi Local Government Areas to destinations in western Nigeria.
The incident reportedly occurred around 7 p.m. on Monday along the road linking Ado and Okpokwu Local Government Areas. The bus, carrying 16 Igede-speaking passengers, was said to have been intercepted while heading toward Okpoga.
A youth leader in Utonkon community, Jude Onwe, said the passengers had departed Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA and were travelling to various locations in the western part of the country when the attackers blocked the vehicle along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga axis.
According to him, the gunmen forced the passengers out of the vehicle and led them into a nearby bush. He added that the attackers seized the victims’ phones to prevent communication with relatives. The bus was later recovered and taken to the Utonkon Police Station.
The Benue State Police Command confirmed the abduction involving passengers from the Igede axis of Oju and Obi LGAs.
Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said investigations are ongoing and security operatives are responding to the incident.
“It is true the incident happened. Investigation is ongoing, and we are on top of the situation,” she said.
