Suspected herdsmen kidnap passengers along Otukpo-Oweto road in Benue

Unidentified gunmen suspected to be herdsmen are currently carrying out a kidnapping operation along the Oweto-Apa-Adoka-Otukpo Road, between Asaba and Olojo in Benue State.

Multiple commuters, including truck drivers traveling in both directions—Otukpo to Oweto and vice versa—have reportedly been abducted, while others were allegedly killed in the attack.

According to eyewitness accounts, a commercial motorcyclist, popularly known as an okada rider, who was heading to Agatu with a casket strapped to his bike, was shot dead. His lifeless body, alongside the motorcycle and casket, was found abandoned on the roadside, along with several deserted trucks.

A former Chairman of Apa Local Government Area, Hon. John Ikwulono, confirmed the incident, noting that the number of casualties remains unclear as of the time of filing this report.

“Aside from the man whose corpse was found by the roadside, we cannot yet ascertain how many others may have been killed. Gunshots were fired sporadically. I believe it was meant to target or scare off anyone trying to flee the scene,” Ikwulono stated.

Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful, as calls to her phone went unanswered.

Details to follow…