The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited has confirmed that the driver of the ill-fated 18-seater bus involved in Wednesday night's abduction of passengers in Otukpo has been taken into custody for violating company operational procedures.
In an official statement issued on Thursday and signed by the company's Information Officer, Ehi Daniel, the transport firm expressed regret over the "unfortunate security incident" which occurred at the Ikobi area along the Makurdi-Otukpo road in Benue State. The statement clarified that the driver embarked on the journey without securing the requisite approval from management, thereby endangering the lives of all persons aboard.
"Reports indicate that the vehicle, an 18-seater bus, was conveying passengers, most of whom were candidates scheduled to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board examination," the statement read in part.
The company further disclosed that while initial reports suggested a higher number of abductees, the verified figure stands at 15 passengers currently in the custody of the assailants. The driver and a few other occupants managed to escape during the ambush. Prime Brief Media understands that the driver is currently assisting security agencies with investigations into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
This update provides a significant revision to earlier accounts which had placed the number of missing passengers at 18. The confirmation that the majority of victims are young candidates en route to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination has intensified public outrage and renewed calls for enhanced security along the Makurdi-Otukpo corridor.
A security source familiar with the ongoing rescue efforts, who requested anonymity as they are not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed to Prime Brief Media that security operatives are combing the forests around the Ikobi area. "The terrain is difficult, but we are following leads. The priority remains the safe return of the abducted candidates," the source said.
The management of Benue Links reiterated its commitment to passenger safety and stated that disciplinary measures would be enforced against any staff found culpable of breaching established safety and operational protocols. The company also appealed to the public and security agencies for support in ensuring the swift and safe release of the abducted passengers.
Prime Brief Media continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as information becomes available regarding the condition of the JAMB candidates and the progress of the investigation into the driver's conduct.
