‎In a deeply troubling development in Benue State, a commercial bus operated by Benue Links Transport Company, carrying a full load of passengers, was violently intercepted by armed bandits along the Otukpo-Otukpa Road in the Eke area of Okpokwu Local Government Area.
‎ The brazen attack, which occurred around 6:30 pm on Sunday, has heightened fears about the deteriorating security situation in the region.
‎According to reports gathered by SaharaReporters, the assailants not only hijacked the bus but also robbed the passengers of their belongings before forcibly leading them into the surrounding bush, leaving families and communities in anguish over the fate of their loved ones.
‎The audacity of the attack has sent shockwaves through the state, as residents grapple with the growing threat of abductions and violent crimes.
‎Eyewitnesses reported that Comrade Austin Agada, the Benue State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), was passing through the area shortly after the incident unfolded. Upon witnessing the aftermath, he promptly alerted security operatives, prompting a swift response from authorities.
‎A combined team of security forces, including police and other agencies, has since been deployed to the area and is actively combing the region in an effort to locate and rescue the abducted passengers while pursuing the perpetrators.
‎This latest incident has cast a shadow over the recent efforts of President Bola Tinubu, who visited Benue State to address the escalating security challenges.
‎ During his visit, the President held discussions with key stakeholders and issued directives to the Inspector General of Police and the Chief of Defence Staff to take decisive action against those responsible for the wave of violence and killings in the state. However, the recurrence of such attacks has fueled public frustration, with many residents openly questioning the government’s capacity to safeguard lives and property.
‎Comrade Agada, in a passionate plea, called on security agencies to intensify their efforts to secure the safe release of the victims.
‎”The people of Benue State are living in fear, and this cannot continue,” he stated. “It is the fundamental duty of the government to protect its citizens, and we urge all relevant authorities to act swiftly to rescue those taken and restore confidence in our communities.”
‎The Benue State Police Command has officially confirmed the incident and assured the public that it is working tirelessly to resolve the situation. In a statement, the command emphasized its commitment to rescuing the victims and apprehending the culprits responsible for this heinous act.
‎As the search continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address the persistent security challenges plaguing Benue State and ensure the safety of its residents.
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