GUNMEN HIJACK FULLY LOADED BUS, KILL DRIVER, KIDNAP PASSENGERS IN OTUKPO, BENUE

Tragedy struck in Ikobi, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on Thursday night as gunmen hijacked a fully loaded Benue Links bus, killing the driver and kidnapping all passengers on board.

The gunmen, however, left a toddler behind.

Sources revealed that the assailants ambushed the bus along the highway, fatally shooting the driver before forcibly taking the passengers into the bush. However, a young boy was reportedly spared by the kidnappers.

Although, authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident, but security agencies have been alerted and are said to be tracking the whereabouts of the victims.

Reacting to the latest attack, the president of Ochetoha K’Idoma youth wing, Mike Magaji, decried the inaction of the state government over the killings in the state.

He said the governor did not make any meaningful speech during his visit to Otukpo on Thursday.

He said, “It is heartbreaking that our people continue to live in fear while the government remains silent. How many more lives must be lost before decisive action is taken?

“The governor’s visit to Otukpo was a disappointment. Our people expected leadership, not vague reassurances. We need a clear plan to end these attacks.

“The government must rise up to its responsibilities. We cannot continue to mourn our people daily while those in power look the other way.”

When contacted, the Benue Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, told DAILY POST that she was yet to confirm the incident as of the time of filing this report.