Students abducted as gunmen attack pasenger bus in Nigeria's Benue

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Gunmen attacked a passenger bus in northcentral Nigeria 's Benue state on Thursday, abducting some students on their way to sit university examinations, officials said.

The students and other passengers were abducted along the Otukpo-Makurdi highway, Hyacinth Alia, Benue governor, said in a statement late Thursday. 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 operations are underway to ensure the safe return of all abducted persons, the governor said.

No group has claimed responsibility for Thursday’s abductions. Benue has been a hot spot for armed violence in Nigeria's northern region where armed gangs often target remote villagers and travelers with violent killings and kidnapping for ransom.

Students' kidnappings have come to define the insecurity in Africa’s most populous nation, and analysts say it’s often because armed gangs see schools and students as “strategic” targets to draw more attention.

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.