A disturbing kidnapping incident occurred in Benue State on Sunday evening, June 22, 2025, when gunmen hijacked a fully-loaded commercial bus belonging to Benue Links Transport Company along the Otukpo-Otukpa Road in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
The attackers reportedly robbed the passengers of their belongings before taking them into the bush around 6:30 pm.
The vehicle, bearing registration number 14B-143BN, was ferrying travelers when it came under attack at Eke. The gunmen ambushed the bus, dispossessed the passengers of their belongings, and then forcibly took them into the nearby forest.
A combined team of security agencies is currently scouring the area in search of the victims.
The Benue State APC Chairman, Comrade Austin Agada, who passed by shortly after the incident, played a critical role in triggering an immediate response by alerting military and police personnel.
This latest incident raises concerns about the effectiveness of President Bola Tinubu’s recent visit to Benue State, where he directed the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to arrest those responsible for the killings.
The frequency of attacks in the state has sparked widespread outrage, with many questioning the government’s ability to protect its citizens.
Comrade Agada urged the security agencies to expedite action and rescue the victims, saying, “The people of Benue State deserve to feel safe, and it’s the government’s responsibility to ensure their security.” The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the incident and is working to rescue the victims and apprehend the perpetrators.
