Gunmen abduct students from bus in Nigeria’s Benue state

Gunmen attacked a passenger bus in north-central Nigeria’s Benue state on Thursday, abducting students who were travelling to sit university entrance examinations, according to state officials.

Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia said in a statement that the attack happened along the Otukpo-Makurdi highway. He did not specify how many people were taken.

Local media reported that 14 passengers were on board the bus.

“The targeting of innocent citizens, particularly students on their way to sit for examinations, is unacceptable and stands against every norm of humanity and civil order,” Alia said.

Search-and-rescue operations are underway, the governor said. No group has claimed responsibility for the abductions.

Alia urged residents to remain calm and continue cooperating with security agencies. “We will continue to take decisive actions to protect lives and property,” he added.

SOURCE: AP