Terrorists ambushed a Benue Links bus en route from Makurdi to Lagos near Otukpo on Saturday evening, injuring three passengers with gunfire.
The attack struck just after dusk in the Burnt Bricks area of Otukpo Local Government Area, where the terrorists opened fire indiscriminately on the vehicle with registration PP974.
Passengers scrambled for cover amid the chaos, as bullets shattered windows and pierced the bus body.
One survivor recounted the terror vividly: “We were on our way to Lagos, between two checking points, when terrorists attacked us.
They kept shooting non-stop.”
Another passenger echoed the fear, saying, “We thought we would die,” highlighting the intense panic that gripped everyone aboard.
Fortunately, no one perished in the assault, and emergency responders rushed the wounded to the Federal University Health Centre for treatment.
Benue Links Nigeria Limited’s management swiftly confirmed the incident and dispatched their General Manager to visit the injured, offering support and condolences.
Company officials expressed deep regret over the event, noting that the bus carried a full load of travelers heading south.
This brazen strike unfolded between two security checkpoints, exposing glaring gaps in road protection along Benue State’s highways.
Despite recent police crackdowns on similar threats, the region continues to grapple with escalating violence.
In fact, cult clashes and herder-farmer conflicts have claimed over a dozen lives since late 2025, fueling widespread anxiety among residents.
Moreover, this incident mirrors a troubling pattern from mid-2025, when terrorists targeted Benue Links vehicles in suspected reprisals, often tied to herder disputes.
Local communities now demand urgent action from authorities.
Residents call for bolstered patrols and enhanced surveillance to safeguard commercial transport routes, arguing that such measures could prevent future tragedies.
As investigations unfold, survivors and officials alike hope this attack sparks meaningful reforms to restore safety in Benue State.
In the broader context, experts link these assaults to ongoing instability in Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where resource conflicts and armed groups exacerbate tensions.
However, with prompt medical care and no lives lost, this episode serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of daily travel in the area.
Authorities vow to pursue the perpetrators vigorously, aiming to curb the surge in highway threats.
