Gunmen have killed two people and abducted 12 others after attacking a bus owned by Benue Links Nigeria Limited. The incident, which occurred on Thursday, has left the state in shock and raised concerns over the growing insecurity in the region.
The attack took place on the Otukpo-Makurdi road, near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area. According to a statement from the company’s information officer, Johnson Ehi, the bus, which was traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo, came under attack while in transit. The bus, with registration number PP512, was carrying passengers when it was ambushed by gunmen who opened fire on the vehicle.
Tragically, the bus driver, Mr. Samuel Agege, and one other passenger were fatally shot during the attack. The gunmen also attempted to abduct the remaining passengers, but three individuals were able to escape from the scene. Another passenger, who had earlier disembarked at Taraku Town before the attack, was not among the victims.
In the aftermath of the attack, the management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited condemned the deadly assault in strong terms. The company’s statement expressed deep sorrow for the families of the victims, especially the driver and the passenger who lost their lives. The company also extended its sympathy to the families of the 12 passengers who remain in the custody of the gunmen.
“We regret to announce that the driver of the 18-seater bus, Mr. Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were fatally shot by the attackers,” the statement read. “While the gunmen attempted to abduct the remaining passengers, three people managed to escape, and one passenger had earlier disembarked at Taraku Town. The management stands in solidarity with the families of the deceased and those whose loved ones remain in captivity.”
The company also assured the public that it was in constant communication with security agencies, who are actively working to secure the release of the kidnapped passengers. Benue Links expressed confidence in the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, which it acknowledged had responded swiftly to the crisis.
“The management extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stands in solidarity with those whose loved ones remain in captivity. We assure the general public that we are in constant communication with security agencies, who are making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted passengers,” the statement continued.
The Benue Police Command confirmed the incident, with the state’s police public relations officer, Sewuese Anene, acknowledging that the attack had been reported. However, she noted that further details of the attack would be provided later.
The tragic incident has brought to light the growing security challenges in Benue State and the wider Middle Belt region. Attacks by gunmen, often referred to as bandits, have become increasingly frequent across Nigeria, particularly in states like Benue, Kaduna, Zamfara, and Katsina, where armed groups continue to terrorize communities, kidnap people for ransom, and disrupt daily life.
In recent months, Benue State has faced rising insecurity, with incidents of armed robbery, kidnapping, and clashes between local communities and criminal groups becoming more widespread. While security forces have made efforts to combat these threats, many areas remain vulnerable to attacks. The state government, under Governor Samuel Ortom, has frequently called on the federal government for increased security assistance in the face of escalating violence.
The killing of the driver and passenger, alongside the kidnapping of 12 others, underscores the grave situation residents in Benue and other states in the region are facing. It also raises concerns about the safety of public transport services, with passengers now fearing for their lives as they travel between cities and towns.
The attack also highlights the impact of insecurity on everyday Nigerians. Benue Links Nigeria Limited, a state-owned transport company, plays a crucial role in facilitating transportation across the state, ensuring that people can travel for business, education, and other personal reasons. However, this latest attack has left many questioning the safety of traveling by public bus, particularly on roads that have become increasingly dangerous due to the presence of armed criminal groups.
Residents of Benue State have expressed outrage over the attack and called on the government to do more to protect citizens from the growing menace of gunmen. Many have taken to social media to share their grief and anger, demanding swift action from security forces to ensure the safe return of the kidnapped passengers and bring the perpetrators of the attack to justice.
“I am heartbroken by the news of the attack on the Benue Links bus,” one resident tweeted. “This is becoming too much. We need stronger security measures to protect our people from these criminals. The government must act now before more innocent lives are lost.”
Benue State, which has long struggled with the challenges of militancy and criminal activities, now finds itself grappling with the growing menace of armed bandits and kidnappers. The local government and state authorities continue to struggle with limited resources to address the rising tide of violence, which has affected every aspect of life in the state.
The federal government has also been under pressure to deploy more resources and personnel to ensure the safety of citizens in Benue and other states that are experiencing similar security challenges. Despite several initiatives and promises of increased security operations, the efforts have often been criticized as insufficient, leaving many residents to fend for themselves.
As the investigation into the Benue Links Nigeria Limited bus attack continues, there is a collective hope that the kidnapped passengers will soon be freed. The state police, alongside other security agencies, have pledged to continue their efforts to ensure the safe return of the victims. However, the tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the security crisis that continues to threaten the lives of ordinary Nigerians and the urgent need for stronger measures to address the rise in criminality across the country.
