A group of unidentified gunmen ambushed and abducted at least 10 individuals traveling in a commercial bus from Wukari, Taraba State, to Gboko, Benue State. Suspected to be artisans en route to Akure, the captives were reportedly taken into a forest in Jootar, Ukum Local Government Area, after the assailants forced the driver out of the bus at gunpoint.
An anonymous source, claiming acquaintance with the driver, revealed receiving a distress call from him shortly after the incident occurred on Friday afternoon. The driver, utilizing someone else’s phone, relayed that armed gunmen commandeered his Sharon bus, along with its passengers, who appeared to be artisans destined for Gboko. The abduction transpired approximately two kilometers from Takum Junction, Wukari, in Ukum LGA, as the driver intended to drop off the passengers in Gboko before they continued their journey to Akure.
In response to the situation, Ezra Nyiyongo, the legislator representing Ukum State Constituency, corroborated the occurrence. He relayed information suggesting that the passengers were picked up from Wukari, Taraba State, and were not students but individuals traveling to Gboko. Although the purpose of their journey to Akure was initially stated as seeking menial jobs, Nyiyongo emphasized reliance on the driver’s account for these details.
Victor Iorzaa, the Caretaker Chairman of Ukum Local Government, indicated being uninformed about the incident, while Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, stated no official report had been received regarding the abduction.
