The management of Benue Links Nigeria Limited has confirmed an attack on one of its commercial vehicles along the Otukpo-Gboko axis of Benue State, leaving three passengers injured.
The incident involved a bus with registration number PP974, which came under attack at the Burnt Bricks area of Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) at about 7:00 pm on Saturday.
The company, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Johnson Daniel, said the vehicle was travelling from Gboko to Otukpo, where it was scheduled to lodge overnight before continuing its journey the following day.
"Suspected gunmen attacked the vehicle along the route. While no life was lost in the unfortunate incident, three passengers sustained gunshot injuries and were immediately rushed to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo," the statement said, adding that the victims were responding well to treatment.
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Upon receiving the report, the General Manager of Benue Links, Alexander Fanafa, travelled to Otukpo early Sunday, January 11, to personally visit the injured passengers at the hospital. He was joined by the Otukpo Business Manager, Mr. Joseph Edache, who had earlier ensured that the victims were properly attended to.
Speaking during the visit, Fanafa assured the passengers of the company's full support, maintaining that "Benue Links Nigeria Limited will bear the complete cost of the medical treatment of the injured passengers and will also ensure their safe transportation to their respective destinations once they are certified fit to travel by medical personnel," he said.
The General Manager also commended the Chief Medical Director and management of the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, for their prompt response and quality healthcare delivery to the victims.
Following the hospital visit, Fanafa proceeded to the Otukpo Police Station, where he met with the Divisional Police Officer and other officers of the Nigerian Police Force. He expressed appreciation for their swift response to distress calls involving the company and urged them to sustain efforts at curbing criminal activities in the area.
At the Otukpo Park, the General Manager addressed Benue Links drivers on duty, reiterating that the company's ban on night travel remains in force.
He warned that "any driver found violating the directive would face disciplinary action," while also urging them to drive responsibly, obey traffic regulations, remain courteous to passengers, and stay security-conscious at all times.
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The management of Benue Links reassured the general public of its unwavering commitment to passenger safety, noting that it would continue to collaborate with security agencies to ensure safer travel across its routes.
