Police, while speaking on the incident, added that their officers are currently trying to rescue the travellers.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Benue State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the kidnapping of 14 travellers who were en route from communities in the Igede axis of the Oju and Obi Local Government Areas.
This was disclosed by the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet.
According to the police, the incident took place on Monday evening along the Okpokwu corridor of the state.
The victims were reportedly heading towards the South-West when their vehicle was attacked at approximately 7 p.m.
A local resident, speaking to DAILY POST, stated that suspected bandits shot two passengers during the operation, killing them on the spot.
He added that the passengers had departed from Iheijwo Market in the Oju Local Government Area shortly before the attack.
“They were travelling along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road when the kidnappers stopped them and forced 15 passengers into the bush. One person was shot dead when the driver initially refused to stop,” the source said.
ALSO READ: Fubara inspects 50.15km Port Harcourt Ring Road, targets October 2026 completion
Confirming the abduction, the Police PRO stated that officers are currently working to rescue the travellers.
“Regarding the abduction of passengers on the Okpokwu road, I can confirm it happened. An investigation is ongoing, and we are on top of the situation,” Edet said.
The Chairman of the Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, also commented on the incident, noting he had been briefed on the killing of two victims.
He further disclosed that intervention by the Chairman of the Okpokwu Local Government Area had already resulted in the rescue of two abducted passengers.
“My security officer informed me a few hours ago that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis. I commend the Chairman of Okpokwu LGA for ensuring the rescue of two persons so far, and for his assurance that the remaining 12 abductees will be rescued,” Ominyi said.
This latest attack occurred barely two days after armed men abducted nine worshippers during a night vigil at St John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, within the Ado Local Government Area.
