Gunmen Attack Benue Govt-Owned Bus, Shoot Three Passengers

The attack occurred on Saturday night as the bus was travelling from Gboko to Otukpo, where it was scheduled to lodge overnight before continuing its journey to Lagos. SaharaReporters gathered that the assailants intercepted the vehicle a few kilometres outside Otukpo town and opened fire on the passengers.

Gunmen suspected to be bandits have again attacked a commercial bus operated by Benue Links, the transport company owned by the Benue State Government, leaving three passengers with gunshot injuries.

The attack occurred on Saturday night as the bus was travelling from Gboko to Otukpo, where it was scheduled to lodge overnight before continuing its journey to Lagos. SaharaReporters gathered that the assailants intercepted the vehicle a few kilometres outside Otukpo town and opened fire on the passengers.

Confirming the incident on Sunday, the Information Officer of Benue Links Nigeria Limited, Johnson Ehi Daniel, said the attack took place around 7:00pm at the Burnt Bricks area of Otukpo on January 10, 2026.

“The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited regrets to confirm an attack on one of its vehicles, with registration number PP974, at the Burnt Bricks area of Otukpo,” Daniel said. “Three passengers sustained gunshot injuries and are currently receiving treatment at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo. Thankfully, no life was lost.”

He added that the victims were responding positively to treatment and that the company’s General Manager, Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa, alongside the Business Manager, Edache Joseph, had visited the injured passengers at the hospital.

According to Daniel, the company has pledged to bear the full cost of medical treatment for the victims, while also providing logistical and emotional support to them.

Following the hospital visit, the General Manager reportedly went to the Otukpo Police Station to meet with the Divisional Police Officer and other officers, commending their response to distress calls and urging sustained efforts to tackle criminal activities in the area.

Fanafa also addressed Benue Links drivers at the Otukpo Motor Park, where he reiterated the company’s ban on night journeys. He warned that any driver found violating the directive would face disciplinary action.

The renewed attack has once again raised concerns over the safety of travellers on Benue roads, amid repeated assaults on commercial vehicles in the state.