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The Benue State Police Command has reported that two passengers abducted from a commercial bus earlier this week have escaped from their captors, while efforts are being stepped up to rescue the remaining victims.
About 14 candidates travelling to Otukpo for their examination centres in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) were abducted.
According to a statement issued on Friday by the state police public relations officer, Udeme Edet, investigations revealed that the vehicle involved was a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BGT 234 S4 belonging to Benue Links Limited.
Police also confirmed that one suspect has been arrested in connection with the incident.
However, Edet disclosed that the driver reportedly breached company policy by undertaking an unauthorised late-night journey. The driver was said to have picked up passengers indiscriminately along the route without issuing a formal manifest, contrary to standard operating procedures.
Earlier reports suggesting that all passengers were students travelling for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) were also found to be inaccurate.
She further stated that security operatives have launched a coordinated operation to locate and rescue the remaining victims.
“The Command has deployed several tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, and is working with other sister agencies to track down the perpetrators and ensure the safe return of the victims,” the statement said.
Authorities have assured the public that the situation is under close surveillance and that efforts are ongoing to bring those responsible to justice.
Driver Undergoing Interrogation
The incident occurred between 7 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, along the Benue Burnt Bricks area in Otukpo, Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.
According to sources, the attackers ambushed the bus, dispossessed the occupants of their belongings, and then took them into the bush.
An eyewitness, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, said the Benue Links bus, which was conveying about 18 passengers, encountered the kidnappers at about 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday night.
“The passengers were mainly young persons heading to Otukpo to sit for the JAMB examination scheduled for Thursday.
“Two people, the driver and one passenger, managed to escape. Incidentally, the passengers were mainly young men and women who travelled to sit for the JAMB examination scheduled for today (Thursday),” he said.
When contacted, the General Manager of Benue Links, Mr Alexander Fanafa, confirmed the incident, noting that the driver is currently being interrogated at the police station in Otukpo for violating the company’s safety policy prohibiting travel beyond 6:00 p.m.
He said, “As I speak with you, the driver has been arrested and is under investigation for travelling against company directive. I have warned all drivers to stop night journeys, as they would be held as first suspects if anything unfortunate happens.”
The general manager added that the driver took the vehicle and picked up passengers heading to Otukpo after the park manager, Mr Amedu, had closed, leading to the incident, and that he has since been arrested.
The Executive Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Council, Prince Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the incident, stating that it occurred between 7 and 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
