Suspected herdsmen have attacked a commercial vehicle along the busy Otukpo-Enugu road in Benue State, killing the driver and abducting several passengers.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, has sparked renewed fears over insecurity in the region and the increasing activities of armed groups targeting travellers.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers ambushed the vehicle near the Olanyega community in the Ohimini Local Government Area, forcing it to a halt before opening fire.
The driver, whose name has not yet been released, was reportedly shot dead on the spot for refusing to stop. The armed herdsmen then dragged passengers out of the bus and marched them into a nearby bush, leaving behind the lifeless body of the driver.
Local sources say the vehicle was travelling from Otukpo to Enugu and was fully loaded with passengers at the time of the attack. Many of the kidnapped victims are believed to be traders and students returning to school after the weekend.
Residents who arrived at the scene shortly after the incident found the bus abandoned with bullet holes, and the body of the driver was later taken to a nearby morgue.
The incident has been confirmed by the Benue State Police Command, which stated that a search-and-rescue operation has been launched to find the abducted passengers and apprehend the perpetrators.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm while promising that efforts are underway to bring those responsible to justice.
Community leaders have called on the state and federal governments to urgently address the security situation in the area, which has seen repeated attacks by the suspected herdsmen in recent months.
They warned that continued violence on the roads is threatening the safety of residents and the economic lifeline of the region.\
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cc: Daily Post Ng
