A disturbing kidnapping incident has been reported in Benue State, where a fully-loaded commercial bus operated by Benue Links Transport Company was hijacked by armed assailants at Eke, along the Otukpo–Otukpa Road in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
According to reports gathered by SaharaReporters, the attack occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday. The hoodlums reportedly robbed all passengers on board before abducting them and fleeing into the surrounding bush.
Eyewitnesses say the Chairman of the Benue State All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Austin Agada, arrived at the scene shortly after the attack and immediately alerted security forces.
In response, a combined team of security agencies has launched a search-and-rescue operation in the area to locate and recover the kidnapped victims.
The incident has reignited concerns over the deteriorating security situation in the state, especially coming just days after President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Benue. During his visit, the President met with stakeholders and directed the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to apprehend those behind recent attacks.
Despite these assurances, the frequency of such violent incidents has left residents anxious and doubtful of the government’s capacity to protect them.
“We call on the security agencies to act swiftly and rescue the victims,” said Comrade Agada. “The people of Benue deserve to live in safety, and it is the government’s responsibility to guarantee their protection.”
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction and stated that efforts are underway to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
