The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 15 passengers by suspected gunmen along the Makurdi–Otukpo highway.
According to sources, the attack took place on April 15, 2026, around 8:30 p.m., when a Benue Links driver, Peter Ikwe, alerted the Divisional Police Officer in Otukpo about the incident.
The driver, who was operating a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number BGT 224 SA en route from Makurdi to Otukpo, reportedly had 18 passengers onboard when the vehicle was ambushed close to the Operation Whirl Stroke barracks.
Sources disclosed that the attackers barricaded the highway and dragged 15 passengers into the nearby bush, while a few others managed to flee.
After receiving the distress report, the DPO promptly deployed patrol and tactical teams to the location, while joint security operatives began combing surrounding bushes to locate the victims and track down the kidnappers.
The police command also revealed that its Anti-Kidnapping Unit has launched a full investigation into the attack.
It assured that more information would be released as the rescue mission progresses.
Gunmen kidnap 15 travellers on Makurdi–Otukpo road, police begin rescue efforts
