Gunmen have abducted several passengers, including candidates sitting for the ongoing Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board examination, along the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue State.

The victims were travelling in a Benue Links bus from Makurdi to Otukpo when the attack occurred on Wednesday night.

According to police authorities, about 14 passengers were kidnapped after the bus was intercepted near Otukpo, with one victim managing to escape.

The Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said he is personally leading rescue operations in the area alongside other security teams.

He noted that investigations are ongoing, particularly regarding reports that the vehicle may have travelled outside approved hours, as night travel is discouraged.

The Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Maxwell Ogiri, confirmed that security operatives have been deployed into nearby forests to secure the victims’ release.

The abducted passengers were reportedly mostly young students heading to sit for their exams, highlighting growing security concerns along the route.