Gunmen k! ll two, abduct 12 passengers in Benue

Gunmen ambushed an 18-seater bus belonging to the Benue State Transport Company, popularly known as Benue Links, k! abducting other passengers while yelling at the driver and a front-seat passenger. The incident occurred on Thursday night, April 3, 2025. 

 At Ikobi, a few kilometers from Otukpo town, the bus was attacked as it was leaving Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, to travel to Otukpo. According to sources, the kidnappers quickly led the passengers into the bush. Maxwell Ogiri, Chairman of Otukpo Local Government, confirmed the incident on Friday, stating that five passengers were taken hostage while a female passenger escaped. Ogiri stated, "It is true that the incident occurred Thursday night, and that it involved a Benue Links vehicle traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo." "While the gunmen whisked away five passengers, the driver of the bus was shot dead and another passenger was shot. However, a female passenger escaped the kidnappers this morning and is currently presenting information to the police in Otukpo. However, Benue Links management later on Friday confirmed that the driver, Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were k! lled.

 Three passengers were able to get away, as stated in the statement that was signed by Johnson Daniel, the Information Officer of the company. "Unfortunately, the 18-seat bus driver, Mr. The assailants shot Samuel Agege and killed a front-seat passenger. Three passengers were able to escape while the assailants attempted to kidnap the remaining passengers, and another passenger had disembarked earlier in Taraku town prior to the incident,” the statement read. "The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited extends its sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and stands in solidarity with those whose loved ones are still held captive. We assure the public that we are in constant contact with security agencies working together to rescue the passengers who have been kidnapped.