US Edition
Nigeria students abducted as gunmen attack pasenger bus in Benue state
Police said five passengers have been freed and 13 remain missing as tactical teams search forests and pursue the abductors.
- On Thursday, gunmen abducted students traveling to university entrance examinations along the Makurdi-Otukpo highway in Benue, Nigeria. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed the incident late Thursday.
- Armed gangs frequently target travelers and students in Nigeria's Middle Belt region, often referred to as "bandits." Analysts say these groups view schools as "strategic" targets to draw attention.
- Maxwell Ogiri, chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, stated the victims are "mainly young boys and girls travelling to Otukpo." Security forces deployed to nearby forests as authorities vowed "no effort" would be spared to locate them.
- Alia described the abduction as a "cowardly act" and urged residents to remain calm. Local media reported 14 passengers were on board the bus during the attack.
- This incident marks the first reported student abduction in 2026, occurring amid a wider surge in violent attacks. Recent violence in Benue has left at least 30 people dead, highlighting persistent threats to students and commuters.
40 Articles
40 Articles
Two abducted UTME passengers escape in Benue
Two passengers abducted along the Makurdi–Otukpo road have escaped, while police intensify efforts to rescue remaining victims and investigate the attack on a Benue Links bus. The post Two abducted UTME passengers escape in Benue appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Benue Attack: 5 Passengers Rescued, 13 Still In Captivity - Police
The Commissioner of Police in Benue State, CP Ifeanyi Enemari, on Friday confirmed that five victims have been rescued while 13 others remain in captivity following an attack on a Benue Links bus travelling from Makurdi to Otukpo in Benue State. Enemari, in an interview with our correspondent in Makurdi on Friday, said security operatives were intensifying efforts to secure the release of the remaining victims. He explained that a total of 18 pa…
Associated Press News
Nigeria students abducted as gunmen attack pasenger bus in Benue state
Gunmen have abducted students on their way to university examinations in Nigeria's Benue state. Officials say the gunmen attacked a passenger bus Thursday.
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