GUNMEN ABDUCT 18 PASSENGERS IN BENUE LINKS BUS ATTACK IN OTUKPO. (PHOTO).

 GUNMEN ABDUCT 18 PASSENGERS IN BENUE LINKS BUS ATTACK IN OTUKPO 

Suspected gunmen have reportedly abducted 18 passengers following an attack on a Benue Links commercial bus in Otukpo, Benue State. The late-night incident has heightened fears over rising insecurity in the area, with only two individuals the driver and one passenger said to have escaped.

Otukpo, a major town in Benue South, has witnessed intermittent security challenges in recent years, including cases of kidnapping and armed attacks along key routes.

According to preliminary accounts, the bus was ambushed while in transit on Tuesday night. The attackers reportedly forced the vehicle to a halt before whisking away the passengers into a nearby bush.

Sources indicate that all abducted victims remain unaccounted for as of the time of filing this report. The exact location of the incident and the identities of the victims have yet to be officially confirmed.

The incident has sparked concern among residents and commuters, many of whom are calling for urgent security intervention. Some locals described the attack as “terrifying” and questioned the safety of travelling within the region.

Authorities are yet to release an official statement on the attack. However, the development raises fresh concerns about the security of road transport in Benue.