The management of Benue Links (Nig.) Limited has said that the driver of an ill-fated Benue Links bus was on an unauthorised trip, contravening the company’s operational guidelines.
On Wednesday, April 15, an 18-seater bus belonging to Benue Links was conveying passengers—most of whom were candidates scheduled to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination the following day—when armed persons attacked it. The driver and a few passengers managed to escape, while 15 passengers were reportedly abducted, the company said in a statement, adding that two of the abducted passengers subsequently escaped, bringing the number of those currently unaccounted for to 13.
According to Mr. Johnson Ehi Daniel, Benue Links Information Officer, the company has a standing directive prohibiting all company vehicles from undertaking journeys beyond 6:00 PM due to prevailing security challenges.
“The driver, acting without the knowledge or approval of Management, removed the vehicle from the company’s premises, picked up passengers, and embarked on the journey without due documentation or clearance.
“As a result of this breach of protocol, the trip was not officially recorded and the company currently does not have comprehensive details of the affected passengers, aside from indications that a majority were JAMB candidates.
“The driver involved is presently in police custody and investigations are ongoing to ascertain the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The General Manager, Comrade Alexander Aondohemba Fanafa KSM MNIM, on behalf of Management and Staff of the company, deeply sympathises with the families of the affected passengers and shares in their distress at this difficult time. The company is working closely with relevant security agencies to support ongoing efforts aimed at securing the safe release of the abducted passengers.
“Benue Links Nigeria Limited reiterates its commitment to the safety and security of its passengers and will continue to enforce strict compliance with its operational policies to prevent a recurrence of such incidents,” the statement by Mr. Johnson stated.
