SIX ABDUCTED AS BANDITS STRIKE ON NAKA–MAKURDI ROAD IN BENUE
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Agency Report
Makurdi – Suspected bandits have abducted at least six travellers along the Naka–Makurdi road in Benue State, in yet another attack highlighting the growing insecurity in the state.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at Kula Village, a community located a short distance from Makurdi, the state capital.
A relative of one of the victims, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the victims were part of a seven-member group travelling from Ilorin. According to the source, the travellers had left Ilorin on Monday but spent the night in Ankpa, Kogi State, due to security concerns along the route.
“They were seven in the vehicle and left Ankpa early Tuesday morning. About 20 minutes from Makurdi, their vehicle was intercepted at Kula Village. One of the passengers escaped, but the six others — three males and three females — were whisked away by the kidnappers,” the source said.
The abductors have reportedly demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the victims.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Omnin Torsar, said the abduction occurred around 5:00 a.m. while the travellers were moving in a convoy.
“They ran into bandits near Kula, and some were abducted. The incident happened close to Makurdi along the Naka–Makurdi road,” Torsar stated, noting that he did not yet have the exact number of victims.
However, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Benue State Command, Udeme Edet, said she had not received an official report as of the time of filing this report.
Kidnapping incidents have surged across Benue State in recent weeks. Just last week, nine worshippers were abducted at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area, while 14 travellers were reportedly taken in Okpokwu LGA.
The Naka–Makurdi road, once notorious for frequent abductions, had witnessed relative calm following the deployment of security operatives last year. Tuesday’s attack, however, has renewed fears among residents and motorists who ply the corridor.
Security agencies are yet to issue further updates on efforts to rescue the victims.
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