A recent surge in criminal activity has seen gunmen repeatedly target commercial buses belonging to the Benue State government’s transport company, Benue Links. The latest incident, which occurred on Sunday, June 22, 2025, along the Eke axis of Okpokwu Local Government Area, involved the abduction of 12 passengers and the driver of a Benue Links bus. Witnesses reported that the vehicle, with registration number 14B-143BN, was hijacked around 6:30 pm while en route to Makurdi from Abeokuta in Ogun State. The passengers were reportedly robbed before being taken to an unknown destination, making this the fourth such attack on the company within two months.

Following the ambush, the abandoned bus was discovered roadside at Eke with some luggage, while one passenger managed to escape and report the incident to the Eke Police Station. Both the Benue Links Transport Company, through its Public Relations Officer Ehi Johnson, and the Benue Police Command, through spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the unfortunate event. Johnson Ehi Daniel of Benue Links Nigeria Limited strongly condemned the attack, assuring the public of active collaboration with security agencies to secure the safe return of the abducted individuals. DSP Edet also confirmed the incident, stating that one victim, Paul Terna, had been rescued during a bush combing operation involving police tactical teams, military personnel, and the Benue State Protection Guard, with efforts continuing to locate the remaining missing persons.

This latest abduction underscores an alarming pattern of insecurity, marking the fourth recorded attack on Benue Links vehicles between April and June 2025 alone. Previous incidents include the May 31, 2025, hijacking of a bus along the Owukpa–Orokam Road in Ogbadibo LGA, where 10 passengers and the driver were abducted. Another occurred on the Naka–Makurdi Road in April, and the first of the four took place on April 3 in Ikobi, Otukpo LGA, resulting in the deaths of a driver and two passengers, with 14 others abducted. Travellers have also alleged other unreported kidnapping incidents involving the company’s vehicles in various parts of the country.

Residents and regular travellers have expressed grave concerns, highlighting Benue Links as a primary target for kidnappers, especially along the Otukpo–Enugu Road corridor. Faith Adanu, a frequent traveller, noted the apprehension felt by passengers when approaching the Orokam community due to activities of bandits and armed herders. This has led to urgent calls for communal collaboration with local communities to combat the escalating insecurity. Dr. David Olofu, a former Benue State Commissioner and President of the Apa Legacy and Sustainability Initiatives, urged the youths of Otukpo to stand firm in defense of their ancestral land, emphasizing the critical need for unity and intensified security efforts to protect vulnerable communities and provide relief to victims of violence.

In response to these persistent threats, Benue Links management has implemented measures to enhance passenger safety. According to Information Officer Ehi Johnson, the company has closed certain high-risk routes, such as the Naka–Makurdi road, and instructed drivers to strictly adhere to time restrictions, ceasing travel on Otukpo routes by 6:00 pm to 6:30 pm and stopping all passenger loading by 3:00 pm statewide. These steps are aimed at preventing travel under the cover of darkness. The company is also actively reviewing and evolving its strategies, including considering the implementation of security escorts for its buses.

Security experts have also weighed in with recommendations. Orgem Angulum, a retired senior officer of the Department of State Services (DSS), advised a proactive approach, suggesting partnerships with various communities along transport routes to safeguard both travellers and residents. He stressed the importance of involving local vigilantes and youths to complement conventional security forces in combing bushes and driving out attackers. Similarly, Clinton Agada, a Makurdi-based security expert, advocated for increased police presence and the deployment of security forces along vulnerable routes like the Otukpo–Otukpa Road and the Enugu–Ugbokolo–Otukpo Highway. His comprehensive suggestions include the use of CCTV surveillance, improved intelligence sharing, thorough security assessments, implementing convoy systems, secure checkpoints, providing armed escorts, placing security personnel onboard, conducting safety briefings for passengers, and equipping buses with GPS tracking and emergency response plans. Agada stressed that regular updates to these protocols are crucial to effectively counter evolving threats.