Nine bus passengers abducted by Gunmen in Benue State
Gunmen have abducted nine passengers, including the driver of a Benue State-owned transport company bus, along the Owukpa–Orokam road in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of the state.
The incident reportedly occurred around 7 pm on Saturday, while the passengers were returning from Orba market in Enugu State to Owukpa.
A resident of Owukpa, Grace Ogwuche, who spoke to journalists on Sunday, said the attackers shot the driver and another passenger.
She said, "They shot the driver and one other person, causing the vehicle to lose control and veer off the road. The other passengers were later kidnapped.
Leader of the Owukpa vigilante group, Amos Agada, who confirmed the incident on Sunday, said the kidnappers had not contacted any of the victims' families.
I want to call on the Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Council to liaise with relevant security agencies to act fast to rescue the victims."
It was learnt that one of the passengers who sustained severe gunshot wounds during the attack was left behind as a result of excessive bleeding.
The wounded passenger is currently receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of St. Mary's Hospital in Okpoga, Okpokwu LGA.
Right now, I can't speak on the matter yet. I will get back to you at the right time. But for now, give me a little time," he said.
As of press time, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment.