Panic in Benue as Armed Men Kidnap 15 Commuters in Shocking Daylight Attack

No fewer than 15 travelers were recently abducted by gunmen in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

Reports gathered indicate that the abductions occurred along the Adoka-Naka Road. Confirming the incident in a statement to the press on Friday, Yakubu Onu, Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) for the High Level Unit, expressed serious concern over the growing insecurity faced by commuters on the route.

Onu revealed that two commercial vehicles were involved in the attack.

“The first vehicle, carrying nine passengers from High-Level Motor Park in Makurdi and heading to Lokoja via the Naka-Adoka Road, was ambushed. Six of the nine passengers were abducted and taken into the bush,” he said.

He added, “The second vehicle, which was coming from Ankpa in Kogi State and heading to Makurdi with eight passengers, also fell into the hands of the kidnappers at the same location near Naka town. All eight were abducted.”

According to Onu, the driver and three spared passengers from the second vehicle reported the incident at the Naka Police Station but were told to continue their journey. No further updates have been received from them.

Meanwhile, the traditional ruler of Tyorshi in Gwer West, His Royal Highness Daniel Abomtse, confirmed the hijacking of two commercial vehicles and the abduction of passengers on the same route. He noted that the incident occurred just three kilometers from Naka town and pledged to gather more information.

“Two vehicles were involved — a picnic bus and a Sharon bus. The police have released the passengers who were not taken,” the monarch said.

As of now, the Benue State Police Command has yet to release an official statement on the incident.