A group of suspected kidnappers launched a deadly ambush on a passenger bus along the Makurdi-Otukpo highway in Benue State on the evening of Thursday, April 3, 2025, killing two people and abducting thirteen others. The incident occurred near Ikobi village in the Otukpo Local Government Area and has reignited concerns about the growing insecurity on Nigerian highways.
The targeted vehicle, an 18-seater bus operated by Benue Links Nigeria Limited, was traveling on a scheduled route from Makurdi to Otukpo when it was attacked. Eyewitnesses said the gunmen emerged from hiding and opened fire on the bus without any warning. The driver, identified as Samuel Agege, was shot and killed instantly, causing the bus to veer off the road. A front-seat passenger was also fatally shot during the attack.
In the chaos that followed, the gunmen reportedly surrounded the bus and forced thirteen passengers into a nearby forest. Only a toddler was spared during the abduction. One passenger had reportedly disembarked at Taraku before the incident, while three others managed to escape after being taken into the bush by the attackers.
The violent nature of the ambush has shocked residents of Ikobi and neighboring communities. Locals described the assault as sudden and ruthless, with the attackers executing their plan swiftly and without hesitation.
Benue Links Nigeria Limited confirmed the attack in an official statement released by its information officer, Johnson Ehi. He disclosed that the bus bore the registration number PP512 and was intercepted near the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area. Ehi confirmed the deaths of the driver and a front-seat passenger and noted that efforts were ongoing to rescue the abducted victims.
“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,” the company said in the statement.
Ehi also assured the public that the company is working closely with law enforcement agencies to locate and rescue the abducted passengers. He praised the swift response of security operatives who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and emphasized the importance of sustained security operations to apprehend the perpetrators.
Reaffirming the company’s commitment to passenger safety, Ehi called on the state’s security authorities to strengthen patrol efforts along major routes. He urged for greater government intervention to curb the spate of highway attacks and restore public confidence in road transportation.
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Benue State Police Command were unsuccessful. Police spokesperson SP Catherine Anene could not be reached for comment despite multiple calls and messages.
The incident adds to a disturbing pattern of highway abductions in Nigeria’s North-Central region. Armed groups have increasingly targeted commercial vehicles, kidnapping passengers and demanding ransom. These attacks continue to pose significant threats to road users and challenge both state and federal authorities working to improve security in the region.
Families of the abducted passengers are anxiously awaiting updates, while residents in Otukpo and surrounding areas are calling for immediate and decisive action from the government. There are growing demands for increased deployment of security personnel to protect highways and ensure the safe movement of commuters.
As of now, the identities and conditions of the abducted victims remain unknown. Authorities have not confirmed if any contact has been made with the kidnappers or if negotiations are underway. The public continues to monitor the situation closely, with hopes that the victims will be rescued unharmed and that those responsible will be brought to justice.
