Gunmen kidnap 10 travellers in Ukum, Benue

Ten people were reportedly abducted at the Taraba/Benue border community in Jootar, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State on Friday.

A source, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the driver of the ill-fated vehicle, who managed to escape the abduction, recounted the harrowing attack.

The source detailed that the driver of the Sharon bus had picked up the passengers at Takum junction in Wukari, Taraba State, with a total of 10 passengers on board.

“He was supposed to drop them (the passengers) off in Gboko, where they were to connect with another vehicle heading to Akure.

“They confiscated his phone during the incident. He had to borrow someone else’s phone to call me immediately afterward. He is someone I am well acquainted with.

“The abduction occurred around noon on Friday. That’s what he told me. He picked them up from Takum, and the incident took place just 2 km away in Jootar, Ukum LGA.”

The driver promptly reported the case at the Jootar police station.

Upon inquiry, the lawmaker representing Ukum State Constituency in the State Assembly, Ezra Nyiyongo, confirmed receiving such a report.

“I was informed that a vehicle was intercepted. According to what I was told, since I did not directly speak with the driver, he mentioned picking up those people from Wukari, Taraba State, and not from any school. He was ferrying them to Gboko.

“From Gboko, as per his account, they were en route to Akure for menial jobs. I cannot be entirely certain. I am merely relaying what the driver conveyed. They were intercepted in Jootar, Ukum LGA.”