Benue: 14 abducted passengers regain freedom
Fourteen Abducted Passengers Released After Ransom Payment in Benue State
Fourteen passengers from the Igede community, who were abducted along the Utonkon–Okpokwu road in Benue State, have been released following a reported ransom payment of 1 million naira.
The victims were part of a larger group of 16 individuals traveling from Obi and Oju Local Government Areas to the Southwest when they were ambushed around 7 p.m. on February 9. During the attack, gunmen opened fire on their vehicle after the driver failed to stop, resulting in the deaths of two passengers at the scene.
Jairus Awo Otakom, the National Publicity Secretary of the Igede Youth Council, announced the release in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday. “The Igede Youth Council officially announces the release of our brothers and sisters who were abducted on February 9 along the Utonkon-Okpoga Road. We thank the Almighty for their safe return to their families,” he said.
Otakom revealed that the ransom was raised through a collaborative effort involving the families of the victims and the National Union of Road Transport Workers. “The families contributed 500,000 naira, which was matched by another 500,000 naira from the transport union, bringing the total to 1 million naira paid to the captors,” he stated. He expressed concern about the need for citizens to resort to such measures for security that should be provided by the state.
The council commended the leadership and financial support of the transport union, noting its significant role in securing the captives’ release. It urged the Benue State Government to reimburse the affected families and to enhance security along the Utonkon–Okpokwu corridor to protect travelers.
Jackson Ominyi, Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, affirmed the release of the abducted passengers but refrained from commenting on the ransom amount. “Yes, I was told that they have been released. On the ransom paid, I don’t have the idea, but no amount of money can equal their lives,” he said. Ominyi acknowledged the tragic loss of two individuals and emphasized the need to collaborate with neighboring council chairmen to discuss improved safety measures on the road.
Meanwhile, DSP Udeme Edet, spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, stated that she was still in the process of confirming the details of the incident. “I will get back to you on this report when I get details,” she said.
