Gunmen suspected to be bandits have demanded a ransom of N350 million for the release of passengers abducted from a Benue Links commercial bus in Okpokwu Local Government Area.

The victims were kidnapped on June 22 when the state-owned transport vehicle was ambushed and halted at gunpoint, with the attackers forcefully whisking the passengers into a nearby forest.

A relative of one of the abducted victims, Terna Agbecha, confirmed the development in an interview, disclosing that his cousin, Hembadoon Akume, is among those still in captivity.

 “They called and asked for N350 million. Our elder sister has already paid N500,000, but they refused to release her,” Agbecha lamented.

The victims’ families are now pleading with the Benue State Government and relevant security agencies to intervene urgently and ensure the safe and immediate rescue of their loved ones.

The incident adds to the growing wave of insecurity in parts of Benue State, where residents have repeatedly expressed fears over increasing incidents of banditry, kidnappings, and violent attacks.

As at the time of filing this report, state authorities and security operatives have yet to issue an official statement on the kidnapping or efforts toward the victims’ rescue.