The management of Benue State Transport Company, popularly known as Benue Links Nigeria Limited, has confirmed the abduction of 11 passengers and a driver who were traveling from Abeokuta, Ogun State, to Makurdi, Benue State.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Daniel, the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Eke Elengbecho in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.
“We regret to inform the public of an unfortunate incident involving one of our buses, with registration number 14B-143BN, which was attacked while en route to Makurdi from Abeokuta,” the statement read.
“The vehicle was later found by the roadside with some passengers’ luggage. However, 11 passengers and the driver are still missing,” he added.
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident. According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Udeme Edet, a Hummer bus with registration number 14B-143BN was found abandoned in Ugbokolo, Okpokwu LGA.
“Upon receiving the distress report, police tactical teams, military units, and the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards mobilized to the scene and began a search operation,” Edet stated.
During the operation, the rescue team found and secured one victim identified as Paul Terna, who had escaped from the abductors.
“Additional reinforcements have been deployed to intensify the search and rescue efforts,” he added.
