Gunmen Abduct Passengers On Benue Highway, Driver Feared Killed

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Tension has gripped communities around the Ogobia–Adoka road in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State after gunmen reportedly abducted passengers travelling in a commercial vehicle over the weekend.

Naija News reports that the armed men ambushed the vehicle, forcing it off the highway before whisking away its occupants into the bush.

Local residents who spoke with Daily Sun said the attackers opened fire on the vehicle, causing the driver to lose control and veer into nearby bushes. The passengers were then dragged out and taken away.

One community source alleged that the driver was killed during the attack, although this has not been officially confirmed.

“They forced the vehicle off the road into the bush. The driver was killed, and the passengers were taken after the vehicle stopped,” the source claimed.

As of the time of filing this report, the fate and location of the abducted passengers remain unknown.

LGA Chairman Confirms Incident

The Chairman of Otukpo LGA, Alfred Omakwu, confirmed the attack in a phone interview on Monday, noting that the incident occurred two days earlier.

Omakwu said authorities have not been able to determine the exact number of kidnapped victims.

“We don’t know the exact number of people kidnapped because we don’t know how many were in the vehicle.
But given the capacity of the vehicle, we assume about six persons could have been taken away,” he said.

He added that there is no information yet on whether any of the victims have regained freedom.

“There are speculations that the abductors have opened talks with the victims’ families,” he said.

Security forces have not issued an official statement on the incident, and no group has claimed responsibility.