An alarming incident unfolded on Tuesday as 15 passengers, including women and children, disappeared following an attack on an 18-seater bus traveling from Zaki/Biam in Benue State to Maihura in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State. The attack occurred at Gamkwe Village, situated at Maraban-Baisa in Donga Local Government Area of Taraba State, perpetrated by heavily armed men suspected to be a vigilante group.
The driver of the bus, Mr. Mpuuga Mbaave, who managed to escape the scene with machete wounds, recounted the harrowing experience to our correspondent via phone. Mpuuga described encountering a large group of individuals dressed in vigilante uniforms shortly after passing Maraba. Despite his initial suspicions, he proceeded upon being assured by a villager that there was no cause for concern.
However, as he approached closer, chaos ensued as members of the vigilante group began attacking passengers, wielding machetes and other weapons. Mpuuga recounted the horrific scene of passengers being forced to lie face down as they were mercilessly assaulted. Realizing the severity of the situation, he made a daring escape along with his conductor, leaving behind the passengers at the mercy of their assailants.
The Chairman of Donga Local Government Council, Hon. Ezra Voka, confirmed the incident while on a search mission in the nearby forest. Expressing urgency, Voka stated his commitment to locating the missing individuals but refrained from providing further details due to the ongoing search efforts.
