Gunmen have abducted the driver and 11 passengers of a Benue Links bus returning from Abeokuta, Ogun State, to Makurdi. The incident occurred along the Eke axis of Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State around 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2025.

The Public Relations Officer of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Ehi Johnson, confirmed the incident in a statement on Monday.

“Benue Links Nigeria Limited regrets to inform the public of an unfortunate incident involving one of her buses, with Registration Number 14B – 143BN, which was attacked while en route Makurdi from Abeokuta. The attack occurred at about 6:30pm of Sunday, 22nd June 2025, at Eke Elengbecho, in Okpokwu Local Government Area, Benue State,” the statement read.

He said the vehicle, which left Abeokuta with 12 passengers and a driver, was later found abandoned by the roadside with some luggage intact, but the driver and 11 passengers were missing. One passenger managed to escape and reported the incident at the Eke Police Station.

“Benue Links Nigeria Limited strongly condemns the attack on her vehicle and passengers by criminal elements. We stand in solidarity with the families and loved ones of those affected and we assure the public that we are actively collaborating with security agencies, who are working diligently to secure the safe return of the abducted passengers and the driver,” Johnson added.

The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident through its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet.

“We are investigating a suspected kidnapping where a Hummer bus with reg number 14B-43BN was found by the roadside in Ugbokolo. On receipt of the information, police tactical teams, the military, and the Benue State Protection Guard arrived at the scene. They combed the bush and rescued one Paul Terns, who escaped from the hands of the suspected kidnappers,” Edet stated.

He added that additional reinforcements had been deployed to the area in a continued effort to locate the missing passengers.

This latest attack comes just months after a similar incident in April, where 14 passengers of Benue Links were abducted in Otukpo LGA. That attack resulted in the deaths of the driver and one passenger, while others were rescued the following day after a gun battle between police operatives and the kidnappers.