2 killed including driver as gunmen abduct 13 bus passengers in Benue
2 people have been killed including driver as gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abudected 13 passenger of a bus, belonging to Benue Links.
The incident occurred on Thursday, near Otukpo Burnt Bricks, Benue State.
Local sources said assailants ambushed the bus along the highway, shooting the driver on sight before forcibly taking the passengers into the bush, leaving a toddler behind.
The Management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited confirmed the development in a statement on Friday issued by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Daniel.
He said efforts are ongoing to rescue the abducted passengers.
According him, “regrettably, the driver of the 18-seater bus, Samuel Agege, and a front-seat passenger were fatally shot by the attackers. While the gunmen abduct the remaining passengers.”
He noted that out of the 18 passengers on board, one had earlier disembarked at Taraku town before the incident while three of the victims escaped.
“The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited extends its deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and stands in solidarity with those whose loved ones are in captivity.
“We assure the general public that the management are in constant communication with security agencies, who are making concerted efforts to rescue the abducted passengers.
he swift response of the law enforcement agencies and express confidence in their ongoing efforts to rescue the abducted passengers.”
When contacted, the Benue Police Command confirmed the incident.
The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Sewuese Anene, said “the incident was reported but details would be made available later”.
The company is owned by the Benue State Government.