Students heading to university exams kidnapped in Nigeria
Search and rescue operations are underway to ensure their safe return, Benue governor, said
Gunmen attacked a passenger bus in northcentral Nigeria 's Benue state on Thursday, abducting some students on their way to sit university entrance examinations, officials said.
The students and other passengers were abducted along the Otukpo-Makurdi highway, Hyacinth Alia, Benue governor, said in a statement.
The governor did not specify how many were taken, but local media said a total of 14 passengers were on board.
“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
Search and rescue operations are underway to ensure the safe return of all abducted persons, the governor said.
No group has claimed responsibility for Thursday’s abductions.
The Benue governor urged residents to remain calm and to continue to cooperate with security agencies on rescue efforts and other operations.
“We will continue to take decisive actions to protect lives and property," he added.