BANDITS ABDUCT 14 PASSENGERS, KILL TWO IN BENUE HIGHWAY ATTACK
Read Time:1 Minute, 53 Second
By Aishat Momoh. O.
Suspected bandits have abducted 14 passengers travelling from the Igede axis of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas of Benue State, killing two others during a late-evening attack along the Okpokwu axis of the state.
The passengers were reportedly en route to the South West when their vehicle was intercepted at about 7 p.m. on Monday along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road in Okpokwu Local Government Area.
The incident occurred less than 48 hours after nine worshippers were abducted during a night vigil at St John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area, heightening fears over the worsening security situation in the state.
A local source who spoke to our correspondent on the phone in Makurdi said the vehicle had departed Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA when it was stopped by armed kidnappers.
“They left Iheijwo Market in Oju around 7 p.m., and while passing through the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road, the kidnappers stopped them and took the passengers into the bush,” the source said.
“One person was shot dead when the driver initially refused to stop.”
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Mr Jackson Ominyi, said he was informed that two passengers were killed during the attack, while the remaining victims were taken away by the assailants.
“My security officer called me a few hours ago and told me that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis,” Ominyi said.
“I have been trying to reach my colleague in Okpokwu LGA without success, but I have contacted officers of the Department of State Services in the area. I was told that two of the passengers were killed and the rest were whisked away.”
The Benue State Police Command also confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, Udeme Edet, said investigations had commenced and security agencies were responding to the situation.
“It is true that passengers were abducted along the Okpokwu road. Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and we are on top of the situation,” Edet said.
The latest attack has further raised concerns over escalating insecurity on major roads in Benue State, with residents calling for urgent action to protect travellers and communities from persistent banditry.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0