Bandits injure three passengers, kill police officer in Otukpo attacks

Suspected bandits on Friday evening attacked a Benue Links passenger bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road, injuring three passengers, while a separate attack later resulted in the death of a police officer in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The first incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on January 10, when a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Benue Links Ltd, with registration number BUU 429 XB (Plateau), was ambushed near a burnt bricks company along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road.

The bus, which was travelling from Gboko to Lagos, reportedly came under gunfire from armed men who emerged from nearby bushes.

Despite the attack, the driver managed to drive through the area without stopping.

Three passengers identified as Solomon Abbas, Stephen Aondoakaa and Justina Gosolo sustained gunshot injuries during the incident.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Otukpo was said to have deployed patrol teams and other tactical units to the scene, while the injured victims were taken to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where they are currently receiving treatment.

Security operatives have continued combing surrounding areas in search of the attackers.

In a related incident, suspected bandits later killed a police officer along Otobi Road near Ebenezer International School in the Oko Otobi area of Otukpo LGA.

According to sources, the attack was reported at about 6:45 p.m. on January 11 by a family member of the deceased.

The source said the officer, ASP Godwin O. Otse, a Police Special Constabulary attached to the Kano State Police Command, was travelling with his younger brother in an ash-coloured Honda Accord when they were attacked at about 5:45 p.m.

The assailants, reportedly dressed in army camouflage, opened fire on the vehicle, fatally injuring ASP Otse.

He was rushed to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where he was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.

His remains were deposited at the hospital mortuary, while police recovered the deceased officer’s identity card at the scene.