Suspected Herdsmen Hijack Benue Links Bus, Kidnap Passengers in Owukpa

A Benue Links vehicle was hijacked on Saturday evening by suspected armed herdsmen along the Owukpa–Orokam road in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State. The attack took place near the Eyiupi community around 7 p.m. as the passengers, mostly women, were returning from Orba market in Enugu to Owukpa.

Eyewitnesses report that the assailants ambushed the vehicle and forcibly abducted several female passengers, including both young and adult women. One of the victims, who suffered severe gunshot wounds during the attack, was reportedly abandoned by the kidnappers due to her excessive bleeding. She is currently receiving emergency treatment at the intensive care unit of St. Mary’s Hospital in Okpoga.

Local vigilante leader Amos Agada confirmed the incident, stating that as of Sunday morning, the kidnappers had not made any contact with the families of the abducted victims. He noted that local security groups were actively pursuing efforts to locate and rescue the missing women.

In a statement issued shortly after the attack, community leader Hon. Adikwu Daniel urged the Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Council and relevant security agencies to take immediate action. He emphasized the urgent need for a sustained security presence along the route, which has long been plagued by similar attacks.

The call for intervention has been formally directed to the Ada Ogbadibo, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Orokam, as residents fear further incidents in the absence of decisive security measures.