Gunmen unleash terror in Otukpo, shoot 3 Lagos-bound passengers, kidnap another

Gunmen on Saturday evening unleashed terror in Otukpo, Benue State, after ambushing a fully loaded Benue Links commercial bus and carrying out a separate attack that left a woman abducted.

The Benue Links bus, which departed Makurdi en route to Lagos, was attacked a few minutes before reaching Otukpo town, around the Burnt Bricks area.

Eyewitnesses told IDOMA VOICE that the said the assailants suddenly opened fire on the vehicle, triggering panic among the passengers as bullets shattered the calm of the night.

At least three Lagos-bound passengers were shot during the ambush, while others reportedly fled into nearby bushes to escape the attackers.

The injured victims were rushed to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where they are currently receiving medical attention.

In a separate but almost simultaneous attack, gunmen reportedly shot a man along Bongos Ikwue Avenue. The victim was said to have escaped with injuries, but his wife was abducted by the attackers.

The twin attacks sparked fear across Otukpo, forcing many residents indoors amid growing concerns over security in the area.

Reacting to the attacks, a citizen journalist, Meddy Olotu, described the situation as terrifying, saying, “Otukpo is no longer safe, especially at night. The way gunmen ambushed a Benue Links bus and started shooting innocent passengers is frightening. If this can happen on a major route, then nowhere is safe again.”

Another resident and citizen journalist, Shedrack Ogwu, called for urgent government intervention, noting that the near-simultaneous attacks showed a serious security lapse.

“Within the same period, a bus was attacked, people were shot, and a woman was kidnapped in town. This tells you that criminals are operating freely. We are calling on the state government and security agencies to act fast before more lives are lost,” Ogwu said.

Both residents urged authorities to increase security patrols around Otukpo, particularly along highways and vulnerable neighbourhoods, to restore confidence and prevent further attacks.