The Management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited has distanced itself from the driver of the ill-fated bus that conveyed 14 students who were kidnapped while traveling to sit for their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) in Benue State.
According to reports by Hobnob News, the admission seekers, alongside other passengers, were abducted on Thursday while en route from Makurdi to Otukpo in an 18-seater bus belonging to the state-owned transport company.
In a statement issued by the company’s Information Officer, Johnson Ehi Daniel, the management clarified that the trip was unauthorized and carried out in violation of company regulations.
“The trip was unauthorized,” the statement read, noting that Benue Links has a standing directive prohibiting all company vehicles from embarking on journeys beyond 6:00 pm due to prevailing security challenges in the region.
The management further revealed that the driver acted independently without the knowledge or approval of the company. He allegedly removed the vehicle from the company’s premises, picked up passengers, and commenced the journey without proper documentation or clearance.
Meanwhile, the company confirmed that the driver, who reportedly escaped from the kidnappers, is currently in the custody of the Benue State Police Command.
The incident has heightened concerns over safety on major routes within the state, especially for students traveling for critical national examinations. Authorities are yet to provide updates on efforts to rescue the abducted victims.
