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A family in Benue State is enduring unimaginable anguish after Tartenger Terdue James, a groom preparing for his traditional marriage, was abducted while on an errand essential to the upcoming celebrations. The incident has turned what should have been a time of joy into one of profound fear and desperation.
James was kidnapped last Tuesday evening while traveling to Cross River State to purchase palm oil, a key item for his traditional wedding rites originally scheduled for Saturday, December 13, 2025, in Gwer West Local Government Area. Instead of finalizing preparations for the joyous occasion, his relatives have spent the ensuing days in distress, anxiously awaiting any news of his whereabouts and praying fervently for his safe return.
According to family sources, the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N3 million, accompanied by chilling threats to abandon his body by the roadside should the payment not be made promptly. The emotional strain has been particularly acute for the bride-to-be, who, as described by loved ones, breaks down in tears daily as waves of hope and terror alternate with each passing hour.
Describing the ordeal as utterly heartbreaking, the family has issued a public appeal to well-meaning Nigerians and the general public for urgent assistance in raising the required funds. They continue to hold onto faith, imploring divine intervention and community support to secure James’s release and reunite him with his loved ones.
This incident highlights the persistent security challenges in parts of Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom continue to shatter lives and communities. As of December 16, 2025, the family remains in limbo, clinging to the hope that their pleas will yield the help needed to bring James home safely.
