The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 15 passengers following an attack by suspected gunmen along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway.
The incident reportedly occurred on April 15, 2026, at about 8:30 p.m., when a commercial vehicle traveling between Makurdi and Otukpo was intercepted near the Operation Whirl Stroke barracks.
According to sources, the driver of the vehicle, identified as Peter Ikwe, was operating a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BGT 224 SA and had 18 passengers on board at the time of the attack.
The gunmen were said to have blocked the highway before stopping the vehicle and forcefully taking 15 passengers into the nearby bush. A few of the passengers reportedly managed to escape during the incident.
After receiving a distress call from the driver, the Divisional Police Officer in Otukpo quickly mobilised patrol and tactical teams to the scene. In addition, joint security operatives launched a search operation, combing surrounding areas in an effort to locate the abducted passengers and track down the perpetrators.
The police command also disclosed that its Anti-Kidnapping Unit has commenced a full-scale investigation into the incident.
Authorities have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims, with further updates expected as the operation progresses.
