BENUE STATE, Nigeria: Armed individuals executed a Benue bus abduction on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Furthermore, the attackers captured 14 passengers travelling along the Makurdi to Otukpo highway. This incident occurred in Benue State, located in the Middle Belt region of Nigeria.
Specifically, the victims include candidates for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) conducts this mandatory university entrance test. Consequently, many young people were travelling to examination centres when the attack happened.
The passengers rode in a commercial vehicle operated by the state-owned Benue Links company. Initially, the bus left Makurdi and headed towards the Otukpo local government area. However, suspected criminals intercepted the vehicle around 8 pm West Africa Time (WAT, GMT+1).
Meanwhile, Ifeanyi Emenari leads the state police command as the Commissioner of Police. Emenari confirmed the attack during a telephone interview on Thursday morning. He stated exactly, “What happened was that one Benue Links bus carrying passengers coming to Otukpo was stopped and attacked by hoodlums and 14 passengers were kidnapped but one was able to escape,”
Subsequently, Okay News reports that law enforcement officers launched a massive rescue operation immediately. The police commissioner travelled directly into the nearby forest to coordinate his tactical teams. He noted, “I am in Otukpo now with all my team and DPOs who are here in the bush and am heading the operation.”
Local Authorities Address the Benue Bus Abduction
Additionally, Emenari assured the public about the ongoing efforts to secure the hostages. He added, “But as we are investigating, we are on the ground to make sure that the victims are rescued,”
An anonymous source provided further details about this tragic incident. According to this unnamed witness, the attackers forced most occupants deep into the surrounding bush. The witness explained, “Two people, the driver and one passenger, managed to escape.”
They continued, “Incidentally, the passengers were mainly young men and women who travelled to sit for the JAMB examination scheduled for today (Thursday),” Therefore, the community remains highly anxious about the safety of these young students.
Maxwell Ogiri serves as the Chairman of the Otukpo Local Government Area. Ogiri recently concluded a critical security meeting regarding the ongoing Benue bus abduction crisis. He confirmed, “It is true, I’m just coming out from a security meeting, and security operatives have been moved into the forest to help rescue the kidnapped victims.”
Furthermore, Ogiri reiterated the primary demographic of the missing victims. He stated, “The victims are mainly young boys and girls coming to Otukpo to write JAMB.”
Unfortunately, passengers travelling along the Makurdi to Otukpo road face frequent armed attacks. Various criminal syndicates exploit the dense forests bordering this major West African highway. Consequently, local residents frequently demand enhanced police patrols to deter these violent ambushes.
Investigating the Security Context
Consequently, the Benue Links transport management actively enforces a strict policy against night travel. However, reports suggest the driver collected these passengers well after official operating hours. Therefore, the police investigation will thoroughly examine the specific circumstances surrounding this delayed journey.
Currently, criminals demand ransoms exceeding 10 million naira (₦10 million, about $7,000) for victims. This lucrative criminal enterprise deeply affects many states across the Nigerian nation. Ultimately, families await positive news regarding the victims of this recent Benue bus abduction.
Meanwhile, security forces continue their sweep of the dense forests near Otukpo. Officials promise to provide regular updates as the complex rescue mission progresses. Assuredly, the government remains committed to dismantling these dangerous kidnapping networks.
