From Joseph Uchenna, Makurdi
Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers on Sunday abducted 12 passengers at Eke Elengbecho, Okpokwu Local Government area of Benue State.
The passengers were traveling in a Benue Links vehicle with registration number 14B – 1.43bn en route Makurdi from Abeokuta, Ogun State capital when they encountered the kidnappers.
Confirming the incident in a press statement issued on Monday, the company Information officer Johnson Ehi Daniel said it occurred at about 6:30 pm.
The statement reads:
“Benue Links Limited regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident involving one of her buses, with Registration Number 14B – 143BN, which was attacked while en route Makurdi from Abeokuta.
“The attack occurred at about 6:30 pm of Sunday, 22nd June 2025, at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State.
“The vehicle, which departed Abeokuta with 12 passengers and the driver, was later discovered by the roadside at Eke with some of the passengers’ luggage; however, the driver and 11 passengers were missing.
“One passenger managed to escape and reach the Eke Police Station and reported that the bus was ambushed by armed kidnappers.
“Benue Links Nigeria Limited strongly condemns the attack on her vehicle and passengers by criminal elements. We stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of those affected, and we assure the public that we are actively collaborating with security agencies, who are working diligently to secure the safe return of the abducted passengers and the driver.
“We commend the swift response of law enforcement agencies and express confidence in their ongoing efforts to bring this distressing situation to a safe and prompt resolution”.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the kidnap incident.
The Police Public Relations’ Officer PPRO DSP Udeme Edet said,
“we are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer boss with reg number 14B-43BN packed by the road in in Ugbokolo.
“On receipt of the information police tactical teams ,military and Benue state Protection Guard arrived at the scene, they combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terns who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers. Additional reinforcement, have been sent to the location to locate other passengers as soon as possible”.
