The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the hijacking of a Benue Links bus and the abduction of all its passengers by gunmen along the Eke-Ugbokolo Road in the Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday evening.
An eyewitness, speaking to our correspondent via phone, reported that the incident occurred around 7 p.m. The bus, traveling from Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, was intercepted by unidentified gunmen who robbed the passengers of their valuables before leading them into a nearby forest.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Benue Command, Edet Udeme, disclosed that the incident involved a Toyota bus with registration number 14B-143BN, which was discovered abandoned by the roadside in Ugbokolo.
Udeme added that upon receiving the distress call, police tactical teams, in collaboration with the military and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, were immediately mobilized to the scene.
“During the combing of the surrounding forest, the team rescued one of the victims, identified as Paul Terns, who managed to escape from the abductors.
The PPRO stated that additional reinforcements have been dispatched to the area to strengthen the search efforts for the remaining passengers and secure their safe recovery.
The command also called on the public to remain calm and support the ongoing investigation by cooperating with security operatives.