According to reports suspected bandits have abducted at least 14 passengers including candidates for the ongoing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination in an attack along the Makurdi Otukpo road in Benue State.
The victims were travelling in a Benue Links bus from Makurdi to Otukpo when gunmen ambushed the vehicle on Wednesday night, April 15.
Sources said the bus, carrying about 18 passengers, was intercepted near Otukpo around 8 p.m., with the attackers forcing most of the occupants into the bush. Many of the passengers were reportedly young people en route to sit for Thursday’s JAMB examination.
“Two people, the driver and one passenger managed to escape,” a source disclosed, noting that the victims were largely students heading for the exam.
Confirming the incident, Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said 14 passengers were abducted.
“I am currently in Otukpo with my team, leading the operation. A Benue Links bus conveying passengers to Otukpo was attacked by hoodlums, and 14 people were taken. One person escaped,” he said.
The police chief added that a full-scale investigation is underway, particularly into the circumstances surrounding the journey.
He noted that Benue Links has a standing policy against night travel, alleging that the driver may have picked up passengers outside approved hours.
Authorities say efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.
