US EditionNigeria students abducted as gunmen attack pasenger bus in Benue state
Search and rescue operations are underway after gunmen seized students and other passengers from a bus, with local media reporting 17 missing.
- On Thursday, gunmen abducted students traveling to university entrance examinations along the Makurdi-Otukpo highway in Benue, Nigeria. Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia confirmed the incident late Thursday.
- Armed gangs frequently target travelers and students in Nigeria's Middle Belt region, often referred to as "bandits." Analysts say these groups view schools as "strategic" targets to draw attention.
- Maxwell Ogiri, chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, stated the victims are "mainly young boys and girls travelling to Otukpo." Security forces deployed to nearby forests as authorities vowed "no effort" would be spared to locate them.
- Alia described the abduction as a "cowardly act" and urged residents to remain calm. Local media reported 14 passengers were on board the bus during the attack.
- This incident marks the first reported student abduction in 2026, occurring amid a wider surge in violent attacks. Recent violence in Benue has left at least 30 people dead, highlighting persistent threats to students and commuters.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Associated Press News
Nigeria students abducted as gunmen attack pasenger bus in Benue state
Gunmen have abducted students on their way to university examinations in Nigeria's Benue state. Officials say the gunmen attacked a passenger bus Thursday.
Armed men attacked a passenger bus in Benue State, in central-north Nigeria, on Thursday and abducted a number of students on their way to college exams, officials said.
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