Armed men abducted at least 14 passengers traveling along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State on Wednesday evening. Many of the victims are believed to be candidates of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) heading to Otukpo for scheduled examinations.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. when an 18‑seater Benue Links bus was ambushed a few kilometers from Otukpo town. Witnesses reported that the attackers halted the vehicle and forced passengers into a nearby forest. Four individuals, including the driver, managed to escape.
Local sources confirmed the bus was fully loaded at the time of the attack. They noted that most passengers were students preparing for their exams. Security forces immediately launched a search operation to rescue the victims and pursue the kidnappers.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, verified the abduction. He stated that tactical teams and Divisional Police Officers were deployed to the area. “I am in Otukpo now. All my team and DPOs are in the bush, and I am personally heading the operation,” he said.
Emenari explained that 14 passengers were taken, while one escaped. He expressed concern about the circumstances of the journey, pointing out that Benue Links does not operate night services. According to him, the company had closed for the day, but the driver picked up passengers along the road. This decision, he suggested, contributed to the incident.
The Commissioner assured that investigations are ongoing and emphasized the command’s commitment to securing the victims’ release. He reiterated that police units remain active in the forest, working to track the perpetrators and recover those abducted.
The attack highlights persistent insecurity along highways in Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become a recurring threat. The targeting of students traveling for examinations underscores the vulnerability of ordinary citizens and the risks associated with night travel.
Authorities continue to urge caution, stressing that adherence to transport schedules and security advisories is critical. For now, families of the abducted passengers await updates as rescue operations intensify.
This incident adds to growing concerns about safety in Benue State and the wider region. The outcome of the ongoing police operation will be closely watched, as communities demand stronger measures to protect travelers and deter future attacks.
