A driver has been taken into custody over the abduction of several passengers, including candidates travelling for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State.
The incident was confirmed by Benue Links Nigeria Limited, the transport company operating the bus involved in the attack.
The company’s Information Officer, Johnson Ehi Daniel, disclosed that the driver is currently with the police as investigations progress.
Reports indicate the vehicle, which was not cleared for a night journey, came under attack on Wednesday evening at Ikobi while transporting passengers.
So far, two of the victims have managed to escape, while 13 others are still being held by the abductors.
Benue Links stated that the driver breached company rules by undertaking the trip without proper approval, documentation, or official clearance.
Reacting to the development, the company’s General Manager, Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa, described the situation as troubling and assured that steps are being taken to ensure the safe return of those still in captivity.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, is coordinating security efforts to rescue the victims.
Security agencies have also continued investigations to uncover more details about the attack and track down those responsible.
