By Oscar Okhifo
Tension has again gripped residents of Benue State following the hijack of a Benue Links Transport Company bus by gunmen who abducted all passengers along the Otukpo-Otukpa Road in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
The incident, which occurred around 6:30 pm on Sunday, involved an 18-seater Hummer bus with registration number 14B‑143BN belonging to the state-owned Benue Links Transport Company. The vehicle was reportedly ambushed by armed assailants at Eke, a community situated on the Otukpo-Otukpa highway.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers blocked the road, overpowered the driver, and forcefully diverted the bus into the nearby bush after robbing the passengers of their belongings. The abandoned vehicle was later discovered along Ugbokolo road, heightening fears for the safety of the kidnapped passengers.
In a swift response, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the abduction, stating that a joint operation involving police operatives, military personnel, and Benue Community Volunteer Guards has been launched to rescue the hostages.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Edet Okon, disclosed that one passenger, identified as Paul Terns, managed to escape and was rescued during the initial search operation.
“We received information about the hijacking and immediately mobilized our tactical teams in collaboration with other security agencies. So far, one victim has been rescued and search operations are ongoing to ensure the safe recovery of the remaining abductees,” SP Edet stated.
Meanwhile, the incident has drawn reactions from political stakeholders, including the Benue State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Austin Agada, who encountered the abandoned vehicle shortly after the attack. Agada raised an alarm and urged both federal and state security agencies to intensify efforts to curb the growing wave of kidnappings in the state.
The attack came barely days after President Bola Tinubu visited Benue State, during which he directed national security chiefs to prioritize the escalating insecurity and curb it. Over time, killings have happened in Benue state and other parts of the Middle Belt region.
As at press time, the whereabouts of the kidnapped passengers remained unknown, while security agencies continue to comb the surrounding forest areas in search of the victims.
The Police has urged residents and travelers in the region to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives to aid ongoing rescue efforts.
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