Benue Police Confirm Abduction of 14 Passengers; Two Killed in Attack

The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of at least 14 passengers traveling from the Igede area of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas. The incident occurred on Monday evening along the Okpokwu axis of the state.

Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, acknowledged the attack, stating, “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.”

According to accounts, the passengers were en route to southwestern Nigeria when their vehicle was intercepted around 7 p.m. Local sources report that two passengers were shot and killed during the abduction. One victim was allegedly killed when the driver initially refused to stop, while a second also died from gunshot wounds.

The Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Mr. Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the casualties and noted that collaborative efforts with officials from Okpokwu LGA had already led to the rescue of two abductees. He expressed confidence that the remaining hostages would be freed.

This attack follows closely after another major incident in the state, where nine worshippers were kidnapped from a church vigil in Utonkon, Ado LGA, less than 48 hours earlier. The repeated assaults have raised significant concerns over the security situation across Benue State.