In a disturbing escalation of insecurity in Benue State, suspected gunmen have abducted 14 passengers from a commercial vehicle along the Okpokwu axis, with reports confirming that at least two individuals were killed during the assault.
The incident occurred on Monday evening around 7 p.m., when the passengers—travelling from the Igede axis in Oju and Obi Local Government Areas toward the South-West—were intercepted on the Utonkon-Ojapo/Okpoga road. According to local sources, the attackers stopped the vehicle, and when the driver initially resisted, one person was shot dead. The gunmen then took the remaining passengers into the bush.
The Benue State Police Command has officially confirmed the abduction. Spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet stated that the incident took place along the Okpokwu road and that investigations are actively underway. “It is true that it happened. Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and we are on top of the situation,” Edet said.
Further details from the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Mr. Jackson Ominyi, indicate that two people were killed in the attack. He commended efforts by his counterpart in Okpokwu LGA, which led to the rescue of two of the abducted passengers. Ominyi expressed optimism that the remaining 12 would soon be freed, noting that security operatives are continuing search operations.
The attack comes less than 48 hours after another violent incident in the state, where nine worshippers were abducted during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area. This recent wave of kidnappings and killings has intensified concerns over the deteriorating security situation across Benue State, particularly along major travel routes.
Residents and travellers in the affected areas have expressed growing fear amid repeated ambushes on highways. Authorities have yet to provide updates on the condition of the rescued individuals or progress in locating the remaining victims, but the police maintain that they are fully engaged in addressing the crisis. As investigations continue, the incident underscores the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect lives and restore confidence in the region’s transportation networks.
