The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 14 passengers traveling from the Igede axis of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas to the South-West, in an attack that also left two persons dead.
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet confirmed the incident, which occurred along the Okpokwu axis on Monday evening, stating that investigations are ongoing.
“Concerning the abduction of passengers on the Okpokwu road, it is true that it happened. Investigation into the incident is ongoing, and we are on top of the situation,” Edet said.
A local source told Press that the passengers departed Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA around 7pm when kidnappers intercepted their vehicle along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road.
“They took 15 passengers into the bush. One person was shot dead when the driver initially refused to stop,” the source disclosed.
Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Mr Jackson Ominyi, confirmed that two persons were killed in the attack. He commended his Okpokwu counterpart for securing the rescue of two abducted passengers and expressed optimism that the remaining 12 victims would be freed.
The attack occurred less than 48 hours after nine worshippers were abducted during a vigil at St John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in Utonkon, Ado LGA.
The fresh wave of abductions has heightened concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Benue State.
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Disclaimer: This report is based on official police statements and eyewitness accounts. CDA News Nigeria presents security news without editorial bias.
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