The Benue State Police Command has confirmed the abduction of 14 passengers along the Okpokwu axis of the state on Monday evening, in an attack that reportedly left two people dead.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, who confirmed the incident, said investigations were ongoing and assured that security operatives were taking steps to address the situation.
“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.
The victims were said to be travelling from the Igede axis of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas en route to the South-West when their vehicle was intercepted at about 7pm.
A local source told our correspondent that the passengers had departed Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA before the attackers struck along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road in the Okpokwu area.
According to the source, the gunmen opened fire when the driver initially refused to stop, killing one passenger on the spot. Another passenger was also reportedly shot dead during the attack. The assailants subsequently forced the remaining occupants into the bush.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Mr Jackson Ominyi, said he had been briefed about the incident and the casualties.
“My security officer called me a few hours ago to inform me that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis,” Ominyi said. “I commend the Chairman of Okpokwu LGA for ensuring the rescue of two persons so far and for his assurance that all the remaining 12 abductees will be rescued.”
The attack occurred less than 48 hours after nine worshippers were abducted during a vigil at St John’s Catholic Church in Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area, further heightening concerns over the deteriorating security situation in parts of Benue State.
