What started as a regular road trip for two passenger buses traveling from Benue State to Jigawa turned into a nightmarish close call in the early hours of Sunday, July 6, 2025, as suspected armed herdsmen launched a brazen ambush. The lives of over a dozen passengers hung in the balance—but thanks to the quick reflexes of their drivers, a tragedy was averted.
One of the survivors, Miss Eunice Umbur Ikide, who is popularly known on Facebook as Umbur Gever, took to social media just hours after the harrowing encounter to recount what had happened. In a post filled with emotion and gratitude, she wrote:
“Two vehicles from Benue were attacked by Fulani men early hours of today on our way to Jigawa State, one Flight bus and another bus, the one in the picture.
But God so kind and our drivers so smart, we escaped. Guys, we need your prayers. We, the Benue people, are no longer safe in Nigeria. I, Eunice Umbur Ikide, myself, am one of the victims… God have mercy on us.”
Her message, raw and trembling with shock, has since resonated across Facebook, with friends, family, and strangers pouring out messages of support and solidarity.
Though shaken, all passengers reportedly escaped unharmed, but the psychological scars remain. Witnesses describe how the attackers suddenly emerged from the bush along a deserted stretch of the highway, opening fire in an apparent attempt to halt the vehicles. Instead of stopping, the drivers accelerated and swerved through the chaos, navigating their way to safety.
This near-death experience highlights the increasing insecurity faced by commuters, especially those traveling from Benue, a state that has long suffered from violent clashes and targeted attacks involving armed herdsmen.
For Umbur and others on that fateful trip, it’s not just another incident—it’s a terrifying reminder that traveling across Nigeria has become a gamble with life.
Her prayer—“God have mercy on us”—echoes a deep cry from a region and people who feel forgotten, vulnerable, and unprotected. As more citizens speak up about these attacks, one thing remains clear: urgent national attention is needed to protect travelers and restore safety to Nigeria’s roads.
