Suspected Armed Herdsmen Kill 2, Abduct 13 in Attack on Benue Government Bus

Suspected armed herdsmen launched a deadly ambush on a Benue Links Transport Company bus on Thursday evening, killing two passengers and abducting 13 others in Ikobi community, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The 18-seater government-owned vehicle, en route from Makurdi to Otukpo, was attacked near Otukpo Burnt Bricks, an area recently plagued by similar assaults.

According to a statement from the transport company’s Information Officer, Johnson Daniel, the driver, Mr. Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were fatally shot, while 13 passengers were taken hostage. Three passengers escaped during the chaos, and one had alighted earlier at Taraku town.

“Benue Links Nigeria Limited regrets to announce the tragic attack on one of its buses… We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased,” the statement read.

Efforts are ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims, with the company assuring the public of close collaboration with security agencies. The company also praised the swift response from law enforcement, expressing hope that the abducted passengers will be found.

Attempts to contact the Benue State Police PRO, CSP Catherine Anene, for an official comment were unsuccessful as of the time of this report.