Abuja, Nigeria — Gunmen attack a passenger bus from nigeria Benue state on Thursday kidnapped some students on their way to university examinations, officials said.
The students and other travelers were abducted along the Otukpo-Makurdi highway, Benue Governor Hyacinth Aliya said in a statement late Thursday.
The governor did not say how many people were taken, but local media said the plane was carrying 14 passengers.
“Targeting innocent civilians, especially students going to appear for exams, is unacceptable and goes against every norm of humanity and civil order,” Alia said.
The governor said search and rescue operations are ongoing in the north central state to ensure the safe return of all the abducted persons.
No group has claimed responsibility for Thursday’s kidnappings. Benue has been a hot spot for armed violence in the Northern region of Nigeria where armed gangs often target remote villagers and travelers with violent killings and kidnappings for ransom.
kidnapping of students Insecurity has come to define Africa’s most populous country, and analysts say it is often because armed gangs see schools and students as “strategic” targets to attract more attention.
Aliya urged residents to remain calm and continue to cooperate with security agencies in rescue efforts and other operations.
“We will continue to take decisive action to protect lives and property,” he said.
