Police Confirm Abduction of 14 Passengers and 9 Church Members

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 14 passengers along the Okpokwu axis of the state, in an attack that reportedly left two people dead and heightened fresh security concerns across the region.

Police spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said the incident occurred on Monday evening and assured that investigations were underway.

“It is true that the abduction happened along the Okpokwu road. Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and we are on top of the situation,” Edet stated.

The victims were said to be travellers from the Igede-speaking areas of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas, heading toward Nigeria’s South-West. According to local accounts, the vehicle departed Iheijwo Market in Oju around 7pm before it was intercepted by armed men along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road corridor.

A source who spoke from Makurdi disclosed that the attackers opened fire when the driver reportedly hesitated to stop, killing one passenger on the spot. Another victim was also said to have died during the ambush. The assailants subsequently forced several occupants into the bush.

While initial accounts suggested that up to 15 passengers were taken, local authorities later confirmed that 14 persons were abducted.

Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Mr Jackson Ominyi, said he received briefing from his security officer about the attack and confirmed that two fatalities were recorded. He commended his counterpart in Okpokwu Local Government Area for facilitating the rescue of two of the abducted victims.

“I was informed that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis. I appreciate the Chairman of Okpokwu LGA for ensuring the rescue of two persons so far and for the assurance that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining abductees,” Ominyi said.

The incident comes amid escalating security threats targeting motorists and commuters in Benue and other parts of Nigeria, as insecurity continues to intensify nationwide.

The abduction of 14 passengers along the Okpokwu axis happened less than 48 hours after nine worshippers were kidnapped during a vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, within Ado Local Government Area of the state.

The twin attacks have intensified anxiety among residents and motorists, particularly along major road corridors in Benue, amid a broader wave of insecurity affecting parts of the country. Authorities say security operatives are working to track down the perpetrators and secure the safe return of those still in captivity.