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By Prime Brief Media
At least 18 passengers aboard a Benue Links commercial bus have been abducted following a brazen late-night ambush in Otukpo, Benue State, in an attack that has reignited fears over the safety of road travel across the region.
According to preliminary accounts gathered by Prime Brief Media, the incident occurred on Tuesday night as the bus was in transit along a route within the Otukpo area. The assailants reportedly intercepted the vehicle, forcing it to a halt before marching the passengers into a nearby bush. Only two individuals—the driver and one passenger—are said to have escaped the ordeal, leaving 18 others in the custody of their abductors.
Sources indicate that all abducted victims remain unaccounted for as of the time of filing this report. The exact location of the ambush and the identities of those taken have yet to be officially confirmed by security agencies or transport authorities.
Otukpo, a major commercial hub in Benue South Senatorial District, has witnessed intermittent security challenges in recent years, including cases of kidnapping and armed attacks along key transit corridors. This latest incident underscores the persistent vulnerability of commuters and the apparent ease with which criminal elements operate along the state's highways.
The attack has sparked widespread concern among residents and frequent travelers. Some locals described the incident as "terrifying" and questioned the adequacy of security measures safeguarding movement within the region.
"The roads are no longer safe. People are afraid to travel, especially at night. We need more security patrols," a resident of Otukpo who requested anonymity told Prime Brief Media.
As of this report, authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the abduction or outline any ongoing rescue operations. The silence from official channels has only deepened public anxiety, with families of the missing passengers left in agonizing uncertainty.
The incident raises fresh and urgent questions about the security of road transport in Benue State and the capacity of law enforcement agencies to respond swiftly to emerging threats. Prime Brief Media will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as more information becomes available.