Gunmen kidnap 11 travellers in Benue

Gunmen have hijacked a Benue Links Nigeria Limited bus and kidnapped the passengers on board in Benue State.

The Benue Links Nigeria Limited also confirmed the incident via a statement issued by its spokesperson, Johnson Ehi, on Monday, June 23, 2025.

Ehi disclosed the bus was attacked while en route from Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Sunday evening.

Ehi disclosed that 10 passengers and the driver were still missing.

He said: “The attack occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu Local Government Area of 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.

“One passenger managed to escape and reach the Eke Police Station and reported that the bus was ambushed by armed kidnappers.

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“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.”

The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the incident.

Edet said: “We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer boss with registration number 14B-43BN was parked by the road in Ugbokolo.

“On receipt of the information, police tactical teams, military, and Benue State Civil Protection Guards arrived at the scene. They combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terna, who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers.

“Additional reinforcements have been sent to the location to locate other passengers as soon as possible.”

The Star