Again, gunmen abduct 6 travellers in Benue, demand N100m ransom

gunmen

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

Armed bandits have, again,abducted six travellers along Makurdi-Naka road, in Gwer West Local Government  of Benue State.

This was barely one week after 23 persons, including nine worshipers were abducted at separate incidents in Ado and Okpokwu LGs of the state.

The latest incident, sources said, happened at the early hours of yesterday, February 17 2026, at Kula village, about 20 minutes drive to Makurdi, the state capital.

A relative of one of the victims, who didn’t want to be named for fear of attacks, said the victims left Ilorin enroute Makurdi on Monday, “And when it was night, they spent the night in Ankpa, Kogi state due to insecurity along the road.

He said “They were seven in the vehicle and left Ankpa early hours of today (Tuesday) but their vehicle was intercepted at Kula village about 20 minutes drive to Makurdi.

“One of the passengers escaped while the six others, three males and three females were whisked away by the kidnappers.”

The source said the suspected kidnappers have demanded N100 million ransom for the release of the six victims.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Gwer West Local Government, Victor Omnin said the incident happened early hours of Tuesday along Naka/Makurdi road.

The chairman said, “It’s true, I have confirmed the abduction of the people. I was told that the incident happened around 5am this morning, they said the people were going on convoy before they ran into bandits who abducted some of them.

“The incident happened closed to Makurdi but along Naka/Makurdi road. I don’t have the number of people abducted.”

However,  Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)DSP Udeme Edet said the command was yet to receive the report.

Breaking news & top stories

Stay connected with The Sun Newspaper

Get breaking news, exclusive stories, and live updates delivered straight to your phone. Join thousands of readers already following us on Whatsapp Channel and Telegram.

Breaking news & top stories

Follow The Sun Newspaper

Get live updates & exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone.