Police confirm kidnap of 14 passengers in Benue
14 Travelers Kidnapped in Benue State
The Benue State Police Command confirmed that 14 travelers were abducted on Monday evening while traveling from communities in the Igede region of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas.
The incident occurred along the Okpokwu corridor around 7 p.m., according to police officials. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Udeme Edet stated that security agencies are actively investigating the matter.
“Concerning the abduction of passengers on the Okpokwu road, it is true that it happened. Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and we are on top of the situation,” Edet said.
Sources indicate that the victims were heading toward the South-West when their vehicle was attacked. Witnesses reported that the assailants shot and killed two passengers during the assault.
A resident in Makurdi, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the travelers had departed from Iheijwo Market in Oju Local Government Area just before the attack. They were reportedly on the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road when the kidnappers intercepted their vehicle and took 15 passengers into the forest.
The local government chairman of Oju, Mr. Jackson Ominyi, also confirmed the fatalities. He said a security officer informed him about the incident and mentioned that two of the abducted passengers had been rescued thanks to the intervention of the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area.
“My security officer called me a few hours ago to inform me that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis,” Ominyi said. “I commend the Chairman of Okpokwu LGA for ensuring the rescue of two persons so far and for his assurance that all the remaining 12 abductees will be rescued.”
The recent spike in attacks has raised concerns among residents and travelers in various parts of Benue State.
