A kidnap victim, Akubobi Fabian, has alleged that armed herdsmen operating in parts of Benue State have established a notorious hideout they call their own “Sambisa Forest” in Otukpo, using the dense forest as a base for kidnapping operations.
Fabian, who regained his freedom after spending six days in captivity, made the revelation while recounting his ordeal following an attack along the Ojano Road axis. He was abducted around 9 p.m. while returning home from a trip to purchase goods. According to him, gunmen intercepted his vehicle near Ochobo Bridge, opened fire, burst the vehicle’s tyre, and forced the 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 and held in captivity for six days. The kidnappers demanded N10 million from him, while some other victims were asked to pay as much as N20 million for their release. Fabian was eventually freed after his brother raised N1 million.
Speaking on the location, Fabian claimed the kidnappers referred to the forest as their “Sambisa Forest” and alleged that the hideout is situated behind the Idoma Doctors Association building in Otukpo. Citizen journalist Meddy Olotu, who interviewed Fabian, expressed concern that the same location has repeatedly been used as a ransom collection point by kidnappers in the area.
Fabian further alleged that the kidnappers openly identified themselves as Fulani herdsmen and claimed they operated freely within the forest. He also recalled a recent attack around Ojano in which a man was shot dead.
After regaining his freedom, Fabian said he and other victims reported the incident to the police. The disturbing account has raised fresh concerns about the level of insecurity in the Otukpo area and the activities of armed criminal elements in Benue South.
