Gunmen launch another attack on Benue Links Transport, kidnap passengers
A group of armed gunmen suspected to be kidnappers attacked a Benue Links bus traveling along the Otukpo-Ugbokolo road in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
This incident marks the second abduction targeting passengers of the state-owned transport company within the span of two weeks.
Previously, two Lagos-bound Benue Links buses were hijacked along the Ajaokuta-Okene highway on September 10, 2023.
READ ALSO: Gunmen hijack 2 Benue Links buses, kidnap 10 passengers
Comrade Gabriel Tachia, the Secretary General of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporation, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (Benue Links chapter), confirmed the recent abduction. He reported that the fully loaded bus, carrying 15 passengers, was on its way to Makurdi from Onitsha before it was seized by the gunmen.
“Four passengers were released as at yesterday night (Sunday) after the army gave the abductors a hot chase. It was a fully loaded bus (with 15 occupants). The bus was returning from Onitsha to Makurdi,” he said.
Tachia added that eight of the 10 Lagos-bound passengers abducted in Kogi axis penultimate week had been released remaining two victims.
Local witnesses noted that the incident occurred around 2:30 pm on Sunday, causing a significant delay in the area as the operation lasted over 30 minutes. Motorists passing through the affected stretch of the Otukpo-Ugbokolo-Enugu Expressway were left feeling helpless.
A local chief who narrowly avoided being caught up in the attack described the location, Olanyega/Ogbodo, as increasingly unsafe for commuters.
Benue Command’s Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, though no further details were provided. An investigation is currently ongoing.
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