Benue Links Nigeria Limited has confirmed the arrest of one of its drivers following a kidnapping incident involving passengers, including candidates of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), along the Makurdi–Otukpo road.
The company’s Information Officer, Johnson Ehi Daniel, disclosed that the driver is currently in police custody as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the attack. According to him, the bus involved in the incident was not authorised for the journey.
The attack occurred on Wednesday night at Ikobi when the driver was conveying passengers on what has now been described as an illegal night trip. Authorities revealed that the journey violated company regulations, as it lacked proper approval, documentation, and official record.
Out of the abducted passengers, two victims have reportedly escaped, while 13 others remain in captivity.
The General Manager of the company, Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa, described the incident as distressing, noting that the driver acted outside established operational guidelines. He assured the public that the company is working closely with security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the remaining victims.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, is leading coordinated operations aimed at securing the release of those still in captivity.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm as efforts intensify to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure the victims’ safe return.
