Bandits injure three passengers, kill police officer in Otukpo attacks in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits on Friday evening attacked a Benue Links passenger bus along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road, injuring three passengers, while a separate attack later the same day claimed the life of a police officer in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the first incident occurred at about 7:20 p.m. on Jan. 10, when a Toyota Hiace bus belonging to Benue Links Ltd, with registration number BUU 429 XB (Plateau), was ambushed near a burnt bricks company along the Makurdi–Otukpo Road.
The bus, which was travelling from Gboko to Lagos, was attacked by armed bandits who opened fire from the bush. The driver reportedly manoeuvred through the attack zone without stopping, despite the gunfire.
As a result of the attack, three passengers Solomon Abbas, Stephen Aondoakaa and Justina Gosolo — sustained gunshot injuries.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Otukpo was said to have mobilised patrol teams and other tactical units to the scene, while the injured passengers were rushed to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where they are currently receiving treatment. Security operatives have continued combing nearby bushes to track the attackers.
In a related development, suspected bandits later killed a police officer along Otobi Road by Ebenezer International School in Oko Otobi area of Otukpo LGA.
Sources said the incident was reported at about 6:45 p.m. on Jan. 11 by a family member of the deceased who stated that he was travelling with his elder brother, ASP Godwin O. Otse, a Police Special Constabulary attached to the Kano State Police Command, when their ash-coloured Honda Accord saloon car came under attack at about 5:45 p.m.
The assailants, said to be armed bandits dressed in army camouflage, opened fire on the vehicle, fatally wounding ASP Otse. He was rushed to the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Otukpo, where he was confirmed dead while receiving treatment.
The corpse was deposited at the hospital mortuary, while police recovered the deceased officer’s identity card at the scene.
