The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 14 passengers traveling from communities in the Igede axis of the Oju and Obi Local Government Areas of the state.
According to the police, the incident occurred on Monday evening along the Okpokwu corridor. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, acknowledged the development, saying security agencies have launched investigations into the attack.
“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.
The victims were reportedly heading towards the southwest when their vehicle was attacked around 7 p.m. along the Okpokwu axis.
The incident came barely two days after armed men abducted nine worshippers during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area.
DAILY POST gathered that two passengers were shot during the attack and died on the spot.
A resident, who spoke with our correspondent from Makurdi, said the travelers had departed from Iheijwo Market in Oju Local Government Area around 7 p.m. on Monday.
“They passed through the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road when the kidnappers stopped the vehicle and took passengers into the bush. One person was killed when the driver initially refused to stop,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Mr. Jackson Ominyi, said he was briefed about the killing of two victims during the attack.
Ominyi also disclosed that intervention by the Chairman of the Okpokwu Local Government Area led to the rescue of two of the abducted passengers.
“My security officer informed me that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis,” he said. “I commend the Chairman of Okpokwu LGA for ensuring the rescue of two persons so far and for assuring that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining 12 abductees.”
The recent wave of attacks has heightened fear among residents and travelers across parts of Benue State.
