Suspected Herdsmen Hijack Benue Links Bus, Abduct Female Passengers in Ogbadibo

 Gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have reportedly hijacked a commercial vehicle belonging to Benue Links Transport Company, abducting several female passengers along the Owukpa–Orokam road in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident occurred on Friday evening as the vehicle was en route to its destination, when armed men intercepted it in a remote section of the road. Eyewitnesses and local sources said the attackers emerged from nearby bushes, forced the vehicle to a halt, and selectively abducted female passengers before fleeing into the surrounding forest.

Although the exact number of abducted victims has not been confirmed, unverified reports suggest that at least five women were taken by the assailants. The driver and a few other passengers were reportedly left behind unharmed, with the attackers focusing on female occupants.

Local authorities have been notified, and a joint team of security operatives, including the police, military, and local vigilantes, have launched a manhunt for the kidnappers. The Benue State Police Command has yet to release an official statement as of the time of this report.

The Owukpa–Orokam road has been flagged in recent years for rising insecurity, including armed robbery and kidnapping, prompting renewed calls from residents for increased security presence and better protection for travelers.

This latest incident has sparked fear among commuters and raised fresh concerns over the safety of public transportation in the region, particularly with Benue State already grappling with persistent clashes between herders and farming communities.

Family members of the abducted passengers are pleading with authorities to intensify efforts to rescue their loved ones and bring the perpetrators to justice.