Benue Police confirm Benue passenger abduction along Okpokwu road as gunmen kill two and seize travellers heading to the South-West

The Benue State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed the Benue passenger abduction of 14 travellers intercepted by gunmen along the Okpokwu axis of the state on Monday evening, with two passengers killed during the attack.

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The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, said investigations were ongoing and security operatives were responding to the incident.

“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,” Udeme Edet said.

The passengers were reportedly travelling from the Igede axis of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas towards the South-West when their vehicle was stopped around 7pm.

A local source said the travellers departed Iheijwo Market in Oju and passed through the Utonkon–Ojapo–Okpoga route when the attackers intercepted the vehicle and forced the passengers into the bush after opening fire.

The Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed that two people were killed during the attack.

Jackson Ominyi said he had been briefed by his security officer and commended the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area for facilitating the rescue of two abducted passengers.

Jackson Ominyi expressed optimism that efforts were ongoing to secure the release of the remaining victims.

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The incident 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, heightening anxiety over the deteriorating security situation across Benue State.