Suspected bandits have kidnapped several passengers, including candidates of the ongoing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (UTME), along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State.
According to reports, the victims were travelling in a Benue Links bus from Makurdi to Otukpo when the vehicle was ambushed on the night of April 15. The attackers reportedly intercepted the bus near Otukpo around 8pm and forced most of the passengers into the bush.
A source disclosed that the bus was carrying about 18 passengers, largely young people heading to Otukpo to sit for their JAMB examination scheduled for the following day. The source added that the driver and one passenger managed to escape during the attack.
Confirming the incident, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said 14 passengers were abducted. He noted that security operatives had launched a rescue operation and were already combing the area.
The police chief also revealed that an investigation had begun, particularly into the circumstances of the journey. He pointed out that Benue Links prohibits night travel, alleging that the driver violated company policy by picking up passengers after official hours.
He assured that efforts were ongoing to secure the safe return of the victims.
