Benue: Police confirm abduction of 14 passengers along Okpokwu road

The Benue State Police Command has acknowledged the kidnapping of 14 travellers who were en route from communities in the Igede axis of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas.

According to the police, the incident took place on Monday evening along the Okpokwu corridor of the state. 

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the development and said security agencies had commenced investigations.

“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 said to be heading towards the South-West when their vehicle was attacked at about 7 p.m. along the Okpokwu axis.

The attack occurred barely two days after armed men abducted nine worshippers during a night vigil at St John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, within Ado Local Government Area.

It was gathered that the assailants shot two of the passengers during the operation, killing them on the spot.

A resident who spoke with our correspondent by phone from Makurdi said the travellers had set out from Iheijwo Market in Oju Local Government Area around 7 p.m. on Monday.

“They passed through the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road in Benue State when the kidnappers stopped them and took 15 passengers into the bush. One person was shot dead when the driver initially refused to stop,” the source said.

Also confirming the incident, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Mr Jackson Ominyi, told our correspondent on Tuesday that he was briefed about the killing of two victims during the attack.

Ominyi further disclosed that intervention by the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area had resulted in the rescue of two of the abducted passengers.

“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 spate of recent attacks has intensified fear among residents and travellers in parts of the state.