Benue State is facing a fresh surge of insecurity as suspected bandits abducted 14 passengers, killing two, while armed herders killed five residents in a separate, coordinated attack, officials confirmed.
The passenger abduction occurred on Monday evening along the Okpokwu axis, targeting travellers from the Igede area of Oju and Obi local government areas en route to the South West.
The incident comes less than 48 hours after nine worshippers were kidnapped during a vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area.
A local source in Makurdi told reporters that the passengers departed Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA around 7 p.m. before the attack.
“They departed Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA around 7 pm, and the driver passed through Utonkon-Ojapo/Okpoga road in Benue State when the kidnappers stopped them and took 15 passengers into the bush. One person was shot dead when the driver refused to stop,” the source said.
Oju LGA Chairman, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the attack, adding that two passengers were killed and the remaining abducted.
“My security officer called me a few hours ago and told me that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis. I learnt that two of the passengers were killed and the bandits whisked away the remaining passengers,” Ominyi said.
The Benue State Police Command also verified the abduction. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Udeme Edet said:
“Concerning the abduction of passengers on Okpokwu road, it’s true it happened, and an investigation into the incident is ongoing. We are on top of the situation.”
In a separate attack, armed herders reportedly killed five residents of Tuutuu community in Entekpa Ward, Adoka, Otukpo LGA, forcing villagers to flee.
Ward head Oliver Inalegwu said the community had been deserted following the assault, while Otukpo LGA Chairman Maxwell Ogri described the attack as “well-coordinated,” claiming that cattle were used as a decoy.
“After some time, they discovered that the issue of the cattle was just a decoy to push attention elsewhere. While the cows came from one direction, the attackers came from another. They had already positioned themselves, waiting for the right moment before striking the community,” Ogri explained.
The assault caused significant casualties, with five people killed instantly, he added.
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said the command was yet to receive an official report on the Otukpo attack.
“I am yet to get a report from Otukpo on the incident. I will surely get back to you the moment I have the report,” Edet stated.
