Benue State police authorities have reported the tragic death of three individuals and the successful rescue of 13 others in a harrowing kidnapping incident involving a Benue Links bus. The bus, which was traveling from Makurdi to Otukpo, was ambushed by armed assailants in the Ikobi community, located within Otukpo Local Government Area, on Thursday evening.
At approximately 8:30 pm on April 3, 2025, a group of armed kidnappers launched a violent attack on the 18-seater Toyota Hiace bus as it approached the Otukpo Burnt Bricks area. According to law enforcement, the gunmen opened fire on the driver and a passenger seated at the front, forcing the driver to stop. The attackers then abducted the remaining passengers, leaving the vehicle with the wounded driver and passenger.
Responding swiftly to the attack, police officers, alongside members of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, arrived at the scene to assist. They found the driver and a passenger, both of whom had sustained gunshot injuries, but the other passengers had been taken by the kidnappers.
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After a tense exchange of gunfire, law enforcement officials successfully freed 13 of the kidnapped victims. However, the identities of the assailants and the exact number of casualties on either side remain unclear at this time. Authorities have not confirmed whether there were any casualties among the police or kidnappers.
Police are continuing their investigation into the incident, and further updates will be provided as new information becomes available. The incident highlights ongoing security concerns in the region and the growing threat of kidnapping for ransom.
