Gunmen Kill Two, Abduct 14 In Fresh Benue Highway Attack

By HAUWA MAGANA

Suspected terrorists have killed two passengers and abducted at least 14 others during a night-time attack along a highway in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State.

The incident occurred around 7 p.m. on Monday along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road. The victims were reportedly travelling from communities in the Igede axis of Oju and Obi local government areas to the South-West when their vehicle was intercepted by armed men.

Sources said the passengers had departed Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA earlier in the evening when they ran into the ambush. According to an eyewitness account, the attackers opened fire after the driver attempted to flee.

“The kidnappers stopped them on the road and started shooting. One person was killed before the driver eventually stopped,” a source disclosed.

The gunmen subsequently marched the remaining passengers into a nearby bush. Another victim was said to have died later from gunshot injuries sustained during the attack.

The latest assault comes barely 48 hours after armed men invaded a Catholic church in neighbouring Ado Local Government Area during a vigil and abducted worshippers, raising fresh concerns about security in the region.

Confirming the attack, Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, said he was briefed by security aides.

“I was informed that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis. I learnt that two passengers were killed and the remaining were taken away,” he said, adding that he had contacted officers of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the area.

Security agencies are yet to issue an official statement as efforts to rescue the abducted passengers continue.