Makurdi, Benue State – February 11, 2026 — Armed gunmen ambushed a commercial bus in Benue State on Monday night, February 9, 2026, killing two passengers and abducting at least 14 others in a brazen attack along the Utonkon–Okpoga Road. The incident, which occurred in the Okpokwu axis of the state, has heightened security concerns in the region amid a recent spate of kidnappings and violence.
According to multiple eyewitness accounts and local sources, the bus was conveying 16 passengers from communities in the Igede axis of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas. The travellers had departed from Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA around 7:00 p.m. and were heading toward southern parts of the country when the vehicle was intercepted by the armed assailants along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga Road, which links Ado and Okpokwu Local Government Areas.
Reports indicate that the gunmen forced the bus to stop, opened fire when the driver reportedly refused to comply immediately, and killed two individuals on the spot. The attackers then whisked away 14 passengers into the nearby bush, leaving the scene in chaos. Some accounts mention that two other passengers may have been rescued or escaped during the commotion, though this remains unconfirmed by official sources. The total number of passengers on board was consistently reported as 16 across several credible outlets.
The Benue State Police Command has officially confirmed the abduction of 14 travellers and the killing of two others. In a statement, police authorities described the assailants as suspected bandits and noted that efforts are underway to locate the victims and apprehend the perpetrators. The police emphasized that the victims were en route from Oju Local Government Area when the attack took place. No group has claimed responsibility for the incident, but such attacks in the area are frequently attributed to bandit groups or kidnappers operating in the North-Central region.
The Utonkon–Okpoga Road has emerged as a notorious flashpoint for criminal activities, including kidnappings for ransom. The route, which passes through rural and semi-rural terrain in Okpokwu and surrounding areas, is often used by travellers moving between Benue communities and other parts of the country. Security analysts point out that the road's relative isolation, combined with limited patrols, makes it vulnerable to ambushes. This latest attack follows closely on the heels of another high-profile abduction in the same vicinity: just days earlier, nine Catholic worshippers were kidnapped from a night vigil at St. John's Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon District, during a separate incident that has also drawn widespread condemnation.
Local residents and leaders have expressed outrage over the recurring insecurity. The Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed details of the bus attack and highlighted the growing fear among travellers using the route. Community sources in Makurdi described the incident as part of a disturbing pattern of violence that has disrupted normal movement and economic activities in the affected areas.
Benue State, located in Nigeria's Middle Belt, has long grappled with challenges related to farmer-herder conflicts, banditry, and kidnapping syndicates. These criminal elements often target highways, markets, and religious gatherings to abduct victims for ransom payments. The latest incident has reignited calls for enhanced security measures, including increased police and military presence along major roads, improved intelligence gathering, and better coordination between state and federal security agencies.
In response to the attack, security operatives have launched a manhunt for the gunmen and are working to secure the release of the abducted passengers. Families of the victims have appealed for urgent intervention, with some expressing willingness to negotiate if necessary, though authorities have urged against private ransom deals that could encourage further abductions.
This event comes amid broader concerns about insecurity in North-Central Nigeria. Recent weeks have seen multiple reported kidnappings and clashes in Benue and neighboring states, underscoring the persistent threat posed by armed groups. Residents along the affected routes have called for immediate government action to restore safety and confidence in public transportation.
As investigations continue, the Benue State Police Command has appealed to members of the public with useful information to come forward and assist in rescuing the victims. No further details on the identities of the deceased or abducted individuals have been released, pending notification of next of kin and ongoing operations.
The incident has drawn attention from national media and civil society groups, who have condemned the attack and demanded stronger measures to protect lives and property in vulnerable areas. For now, the focus remains on locating the 14 abducted travellers and ensuring they are returned safely to their families.
