Nigeria, April 17 -- The victims were travelling in a Benue Links bus from Makurdi to Otukpo when gunmen ambushed the vehicle on Wednesday night, April 15.

Sources said the bus, carrying about 18 passengers, was intercepted near Otukpo around 8 p.m., with the attackers forcing most of the occupants into the bush. Many of the passengers were reportedly young people en route to sit for Thursday's JAMB examination.

"Two people, the driver and one passenger managed to escape," a source disclosed, noting that the victims were largely students heading for the exam.

Confirming the incident, Benue State Commissioner of Police, Ifeanyi Emenari, said 14 passengers were abducted.

"I am currently in Otukpo with my team, leading the operation. A ...