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Fourteen passengers abducted in Benue State on February 9, 2026, have been released after their families and the National Union of Road Transport Workers reportedly paid a ransom of N1 million to their captors.
The victims, mostly from Obi and Oju Local Government Areas, were among 16 travellers heading to the South-West when gunmen intercepted their vehicle along the Utonkon–Okpokwu Road around 7 p.m. Two passengers were killed during the initial attack when the driver allegedly refused to stop, prompting the kidnappers to open fire on the vehicle.
The release was officially announced by the National Publicity Secretary of the Igede Youth Council, Jairus Awo Otakom, in a statement posted on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday, February 18, 2026. Otakom described the safe return of the 14 survivors as a moment of profound relief and gratitude to God.
He disclosed that the ransom was jointly raised, with the victims’ families contributing N500,000 and the transport union providing an additional N500,000. Otakom commended the union for its proactive leadership, financial support, and coordination that facilitated the release.
The Igede Youth Council also appealed to the Benue State Government to refund the ransom paid by the families and to urgently deploy adequate security personnel along the Utonkon–Okpokwu route to prevent future abductions and restore confidence among road users.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, told journalists that the victims had indeed been freed, though he could not independently verify the ransom details. He described the payment as a regrettable but understandable step to save lives, stating that “no amount of money can equal their lives.”
Ominyi lamented the persistent insecurity on the road and promised to convene a meeting with chairmen of neighbouring local governments to strengthen security measures in the area.
Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said she could not immediately confirm the release or ransom payment, adding that she would provide details once verified information is obtained.
The incident underscores the continuing vulnerability of travellers on several highways in Benue State, where kidnappings for ransom remain a major security concern despite repeated calls for enhanced patrols and protective measures.
