April 17, 2026 | Benue State, Nigeria
The Benue State-owned transport company, Benue Links Transit, has confirmed the arrest of one of its drivers following a violent abduction incident involving UTME candidates and other passengers along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road.
The incident occurred on Wednesday evening at the Burnt Bricks axis in Otukpo Local Government Area, where armed men reportedly intercepted a Benue Links commercial bus conveying about 18 passengers, including students heading to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Eyewitness accounts and security sources said the attackers blocked the vehicle around 8:00 p.m. and forcefully took several passengers into nearby bushes. Reports indicate that 14 passengers were abducted, while one victim managed to escape and raise the alarm.
Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, confirmed the development, stating that he is personally overseeing rescue operations in the area alongside tactical police units.
“We are currently combing the bush in Otukpo. Fourteen passengers were kidnapped and one escaped,” the police commissioner said, adding that investigations have commenced into the circumstances surrounding the trip.
Authorities also noted that the transport company has a strict policy prohibiting night travel, which may have been violated before the attack occurred.
Following internal reviews, Benue Links management distanced itself from the incident, confirming that the driver allegedly breached operational safety rules by embarking on a journey after official closing hours.
The company’s General Manager, Mr. Alexander Fanafa, confirmed that the driver is now in police custody and is being questioned for violating safety directives.
“Our policy clearly states that no vehicle should depart after 6 p.m. Any driver who violates this rule puts passengers at serious risk and will be held accountable,” he said.
He further explained that the bus was loaded after the park had officially closed for the day, bypassing standard safety checks designed to prevent such risks.
Security agencies say rescue operations are ongoing, while families of the abducted passengers await updates amid growing concern over rising insecurity along major highways in Benue State.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to follow this developing story.
