The Benue State Police Command has intensified its search-and-rescue efforts following the abduction of 11 passengers and a bus driver by armed gunmen in the Okpokwu Local Government Area of the state. In a significant move to boost the operation, the police have deployed surveillance drones and additional tactical teams to the affected area.
The disturbing incident occurred on the evening of Sunday, June 22, 2025, around 6:30 p.m., along the Otukpo-Otukpa-Enugu highway, specifically near Eke Elengbecho. The victims were travelling in a Benue Links transport bus from Abeokuta, Ogun State, to Makurdi, the Benue State capital, when their journey was violently disrupted.
According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants intercepted the commercial bus, robbed the passengers of their valuables, and forcefully led 11 of them—along with the driver—into the nearby forest. Only one passenger managed to escape the attackers and reported the matter at the Eke Police Station.
Benue Links, the state-owned transportation company, officially confirmed the abduction through a statement issued on Monday by its Information Officer, Johnson Daniel. The company expressed deep regret over the incident and acknowledged that the missing vehicle bore registration number 14B – 143BN.
“We regret to inform the general public of an unfortunate incident involving one of our buses, which was attacked while en route from Abeokuta to Makurdi,” the statement read. “The vehicle departed Abeokuta with 12 passengers and a driver. It was later found abandoned along the Eke axis, with some passengers’ luggage still inside, but 11 passengers and the driver were nowhere to be found.”
The company further noted that the lone escapee was instrumental in providing authorities with critical information about the abduction.
In response to the crisis, Benue State Police Command has ramped up its rescue efforts. State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Udeme Edet, confirmed that a combined security team—comprising the Nigeria Police, military personnel, and operatives of the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards—was immediately dispatched to the area upon receiving the report.
“Following the report, our tactical units, along with military forces and local volunteer guards, swiftly moved to the scene, searched the surrounding bush, and were able to rescue one victim identified as Paul Terna,” Edet disclosed.
He added that further reinforcements have been deployed, and surveillance drones are now in operation to enhance aerial monitoring of the terrain. As of Monday evening, the Commissioner of Police for Benue State, Ifeanyi Emenari, had personally arrived at the scene to oversee and coordinate the ongoing search efforts.
“There are no new developments at the moment,” Edet noted, “but the Commissioner is on the ground, and our drone surveillance is actively supporting the rescue operation.”
Benue Links assured the public of its collaboration with security agencies and affirmed its commitment to ensuring the safe return of all abducted individuals.