Herdsmen establish ‘Sambisa Forest’ in Benue – Kidnap victim exposes criminal hideout in Otukpo

A kidnap victim, Akubobi Fabian, has alleged that armed herdsmen operating in parts of Benue State have established what they refer to as a “Sambisa Forest” in Otukpo, using it as a hideout and base for kidnapping operations.

Fabian, who recently regained his freedom after spending six days in captivity, made the claim while recounting his ordeal following an attack along the Ojano Road axis.

According to him, he was abducted around 9 p.m. while returning home from a trip to purchase goods. He said gunmen intercepted his vehicle near Ochobo Bridge, opened fire, burst the vehicle’s tyre and forced passengers into the bush.

“We thought they were ordinary armed robbers who wanted to collect money, but they marched us deep into the forest,” Fabian said.

The victim narrated that he and other abductees were forced to trek through the forest throughout the night before being held in captivity for six days.

Fabian said the kidnappers initially demanded N10 million from him, while some other victims were asked to pay as much as N20 million for their release.

“They asked me to bring N10 million. Some people were asked to pay N20 million. My brother eventually raised N1 million, and after six days they released me,” he stated.

Speaking on the location where they were held, Fabian alleged that the kidnappers referred to the forest as their own “Sambisa Forest.” He claimed that the hideout is located behind the Idoma Doctors Association building in Otukpo.

“The kidnappers told us they call the place Sambisa Forest. That is what they called the forest where they kept us,” he said.

Citizen journalist Meddy Olotu, who interviewed Fabian, alleged that the same location has repeatedly been used as a ransom collection point by kidnappers operating in the area.

According to Olotu, ransom payments for several previous abduction cases, including the kidnapping of students and travellers along the Ojano Road corridor, were allegedly made at the same location behind the Idoma Doctors Association building.

Olotu expressed concern that despite repeated reports linking the area to kidnapping activities, the location continues to be used by criminal elements for ransom negotiations and collections.

He also recalled a recent attack around Ojano in which a man was shot and killed. According to him, the victim was rushed to a hospital but was later confirmed dead and taken to a mortuary.

Fabian further alleged that the kidnappers openly identified themselves as Fulani herdsmen and claimed they operated freely within the forest.

After regaining his freedom, Fabian said he and other victims reported the incident to the police.

The survivor also confirmed that one person was killed during the attack when gunmen opened fire at the checkpoint before taking passengers into the bush.