The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the kidnap of 11 passengers in a shocking bus hijack involving a Benue Links Nigeria Ltd vehicle.
The incident occurred Sunday evening at Eke Elengbecho in Okpokwu Local Government Area, during a routine intercity transit.
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet revealed that armed men ambushed the vehicle and abducted nearly all its occupants.
She stated that the Benue bus kidnapping took place as the bus was travelling from Abeokuta to Makurdi, Benue State.
The attackers forced the vehicle off the road, leaving it abandoned while taking hostages into nearby forested areas.
A joint rescue operation involving police, military, and civil guards was immediately launched following the distress report.
According to Edet, one male passenger, Paul Terna, managed to escape and alerted the police at Eke Station.
Benue Links Nigeria Ltd confirmed the Benue bus kidnapping in an official statement signed by spokesperson Johnson Ehi.
The company said the 14B-143BN Hummer bus had 12 passengers and a driver when it departed from Abeokuta.
It was later discovered abandoned with some luggage near Eke, but 11 passengers and the driver were still missing.
Mr Ehi condemned the Benue-bus-kidnap incident, expressing solidarity with the victims and pledging cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
He commended the swift response by security forces and urged continued efforts to safely recover the kidnapped passengers.
The company assured the public of its full support for ongoing investigations and rescue efforts across affected areas.
Meanwhile, police have reinforced operations in Okpokwu to intensify bush combing and locate the remaining victims unharmed.
As fear grips travellers, authorities are urging vigilance while promising swift justice for those behind the brutal kidnapping.
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