A distraught father has raised alarm over the abduction of his two children, who were among passengers taken by gunmen from a Benue Links bus travelling toward Otukpo on Wednesday. According to him, the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of N9 million for each child.

The victims were part of a group of travellers forced off the vehicle when armed attackers intercepted the bus and marched passengers into nearby bushes. The incident occurred a few kilometres before reaching Otukpo, involving an 18-seater bus that had departed from Makurdi and was reportedly attacked by suspected armed herdsmen.

Several days after the attack, the father said the family has been plunged into emotional and financial distress, revealing that contact has already been established with the abductors. Speaking anonymously for security reasons, he disclosed that the ransom demands have fluctuated repeatedly, worsening their anxiety.

He explained that the kidnappers initially asked for N10 million per child, later reduced the amount to N500,000, but subsequently reverted to a demand of N9 million each. Despite ongoing pleas, he said no agreement has been reached.

The father lamented that his family cannot afford such an amount and is now left with little hope beyond prayers and possible government intervention. He appealed to authorities to intensify efforts to rescue the victims, expressing deep concern over their safety.

He further revealed that his children are students who were travelling from Nasarawa State. After reaching Makurdi, they boarded another bus heading to Otukpo, where they unfortunately encountered the attackers.

Describing the emotional toll, he said the incident has left his household devastated, noting that his wife has been unable to eat since the abduction. He urged security agencies to ramp up their operations and ensure the safe return of all victims.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command confirmed progress in the investigation. In a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, authorities announced that seven suspects have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping.

The police added that a joint operation involving multiple security agencies is ongoing in Amla Forest and surrounding areas, where search-and-rescue efforts have already led to the recovery of some victims, now receiving medical care. Investigations, they said, are continuing.