Gunmen have abducted several passengers, including candidates sitting for the ongoing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination, along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the area.
The incident, which happened on Wednesday night, involved a commercial bus belonging to Benue Links that was travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo. According to sources, the attack occurred at about 8pm when suspected bandits intercepted the vehicle and forcefully took most of the passengers into the bush.
It was gathered that the bus was carrying about 18 passengers at the time of the attack. Many of them were said to be young people heading to Otukpo to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by JAMB, which was scheduled to take place on Thursday.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the gunmen stopped the vehicle at a point near Otukpo, ordering the passengers to come down before marching them into a nearby forest. The attackers reportedly operated for several minutes without any immediate resistance.
Two people, including the driver of the bus and one passenger, managed to escape during the attack. Their escape has provided early information about how the incident happened and the number of people involved.
The Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the abduction and said that 14 passengers were taken by the gunmen, while one person escaped. He added that he was already in Otukpo to coordinate rescue efforts and ensure that the victims are safely returned.
According to the police commissioner, security operatives have moved into the surrounding bush areas to search for the kidnapped passengers. He also said that investigations have started to understand how the incident occurred and whether there were any security lapses before or during the journey.
“We are on top of the situation. Our men are already in the bush combing the area to rescue the victims,” he said.
The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the attack. He said that local authorities were working closely with security agencies to respond quickly and ensure the safe return of those abducted.
Ogiri noted that additional security personnel had been deployed to the area to strengthen ongoing operations. He expressed concern over the safety of travellers along the road and called for calm among residents.
The Makurdi–Otukpo road has in recent months become a source of worry for commuters, as cases of armed attacks and kidnappings have continued to rise. Travellers and transport operators have repeatedly raised alarm over the increasing activities of criminal groups along the route.
Some residents say the situation has made movement between Makurdi, the Benue State capital, and Otukpo more dangerous, especially in the evening hours. They have called on the government to increase patrols and provide better protection for road users.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a major security challenge in several parts of Nigeria in recent years. Armed groups often target highways, schools, and rural communities, taking advantage of limited security presence in such areas.
Students have also become vulnerable targets, especially during major examination periods like the UTME, when many travel across towns and states to sit for their exams. The latest incident has raised fears about the safety of candidates and the possible impact on their academic plans.
Parents and guardians of the affected candidates are said to be worried about their children’s safety, while also expressing concern about missed examination opportunities. JAMB examinations are a key requirement for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria, making participation very important for students.
The Benue State Government has in the past announced measures to improve security, including collaboration with federal security agencies and local vigilante groups. Despite these efforts, attacks like this continue to occur, showing the need for stronger and more consistent action.
As rescue operations continue, families of the victims and residents of the area are hoping for positive news. Authorities have assured the public that everything possible is being done to locate and free the abducted passengers.
The latest attack adds to growing concerns about safety on Nigerian roads and highlights the urgent need for improved security, especially on routes known for frequent attacks. For now, all eyes are on the ongoing rescue efforts in Benue State, as the search for the kidnapped passengers continues.