A group of armed assailants on Thursday night hijacked a fully loaded Benue Links bus in Ikobi, Otukpo Local Government Area, killing the driver and abducting all passengers.
A toddler was the only occupant spared in the attack.
According to local sources, the attackers ambushed the bus, forcibly taking the victims into the forest.
While security agencies have been notified, no official statement has been released regarding the incident.
Mike Magaji, President of the Ochetoha K’Idoma youth wing, condemned the Benue State government’s handling of security issues, accusing officials of failing to protect residents.
He described the governor’s recent visit to Otukpo as ineffective, stating that the people expected concrete action rather than mere words.
“The government must step up. We cannot keep burying our people while those in power do nothing,” Magaji lamented.
Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, noted that she was yet to verify the details of the incident at the time of reporting.