Benue bandits abduct six travellers along Makurdi–Naka road, demanding N100m ransom in latest attack near the state capital

Armed bandits on Tuesday abducted six travellers along the Makurdi–Naka road in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, in what authorities described as another disturbing security breach near the state capital.

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The incident occurred in the early hours of 17 February 2026 at Kula village, approximately 20 minutes’ drive from Makurdi, according to local sources and officials.

The Benue bandits abduct six travellers barely one week after 23 persons, including nine worshippers, were kidnapped in separate attacks in Ado and Okpokwu local government areas of the state, deepening fears among residents over persistent insecurity.

A relative of one of the victims, who requested anonymity for security reasons, said the travellers were en route from Ilorin to Makurdi. The group reportedly spent the night in Ankpa, Kogi State, due to concerns about safety along the route.

The source said seven passengers resumed their journey early Tuesday morning before their vehicle was intercepted at Kula village.

“One of the passengers managed to escape, but the six others, three men and three women, were taken away by the kidnappers,” the relative said.

According to the family source, the abductors have demanded N100 million as ransom for the release of the victims.

Confirming the development, the Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Victor Omnin, said the attack occurred around 5am along the Naka–Makurdi road.

Victor Omnin stated that he had verified the incident but could not immediately confirm the exact number of victims. He added that the travellers were reportedly moving in a convoy before encountering the armed group.

The Benue bandits abduct six travellers episode has heightened anxiety among commuters who rely on the Makurdi–Naka corridor, a route increasingly associated with kidnapping incidents.

However, the Police Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Police Force in Ebonyi State, DSP Udeme Edet, said the command had yet to receive an official report of the incident at the time of filing this report.

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Security agencies have not issued a formal statement on steps being taken to secure the release of the victims. Residents are urging swift intervention to prevent further escalation along the volatile stretch.

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