The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that two passengers abducted from a commercial bus earlier this week have escaped, as security operatives intensify efforts to rescue others still in captivity.
The victims were among passengers travelling to Otukpo when gunmen intercepted the vehicle along the Benue Burnt Bricks axis in Otukpo Local Government Area on Wednesday evening.
In a statement on Friday, Police Public Relations Officer Udeme Edet said investigations identified the vehicle as a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BGT 234 S4, owned by Benue Links Limited.
The police also confirmed the arrest of one suspect in connection with the attack.
Edet disclosed that the driver allegedly violated company regulations by embarking on an unauthorised late-night journey and picking up passengers without issuing a formal manifest.
She clarified that earlier reports claiming all the victims were candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination were inaccurate.
According to the police, coordinated rescue efforts are ongoing, with tactical teams, including the Anti-Kidnapping Unit, deployed alongside other security agencies to track down the kidnappers and secure the victims’ release.
The incident, which occurred between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., has drawn varying accounts regarding the number of abducted passengers. While some sources suggested about 17 victims, police confirmed that 14 persons were taken, with one escaping during the attack and two others regaining freedom later.
Eyewitnesses said the assailants ambushed the bus, robbed passengers of their belongings, and forced them into the bush.
The General Manager of Benue Links, Alexander Fanafa, confirmed that the driver is currently under interrogation for violating company policy, which prohibits journeys beyond 6 p.m.
He stated that the driver had departed after official hours and picked up passengers without authorisation, adding that drivers have been warned against night travel.
The Executive Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Maxwell Ogiri, also confirmed the incident.
Reacting, former presidential candidate Peter Obi criticised the state of security in the country, describing the abduction as evidence of leadership failure.
He said the incident highlights a broader national crisis, warning that insecurity continues to threaten education and the future of young Nigerians.
Authorities have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining victims and bring those responsible to justice.
