An ambush on a commercial bus belonging to Benue Links turned deadly Thursday evening when armed men struck at Ikobi, Otukpo LGA, but police have since rescued most of the kidnapped passengers.
MCC reported earlier that the incident occurred as the bus was heading from Makurdi to Otukpo.
Gunmen suddenly opened fire, hitting the driver and a passenger, forcing the vehicle to a halt.
The attackers then abducted the remaining passengers and disappeared into the nearby forest.
Benue Police PRO, CSP Catherine Anene, disclosed that the police, supported by local security operatives, responded swiftly.
Upon reaching the scene, they discovered the driver and the injured passenger, both of whom were later confirmed dead.
A search operation launched that night led to a breakthrough the following afternoon. Officers found the kidnappers’ trail and confronted them in a gun battle deep in the forest.
The criminals, overwhelmed by police firepower, abandoned the abductees and fled.
Police recovered 14 victims, although one of them later died in hospital, and two others suffered machete injuries inflicted by the fleeing kidnappers.
Commissioner of Police, Steve Yabanet, sympathized with the victims’ families and assured that the culprits would be hunted down.
He called on locals to be vigilant and report anyone with suspicious gunshot wounds.