Suspected kidnappers have launched yet another deadly attack in Benue State, hijacking a fully occupied commercial vehicle, killing the driver, and abducting all passengers on board.
The incident occurred over the weekend along the Ogobia–Adoka Road in Otukpo Local Government Area, a route that has come under increasing assault by criminal gangs.
Sources told PUNCH that the assailants ambushed the vehicle, forced it off the road into a nearby bush, and shot the driver — identified simply as Arrow of God from Aila community in Agatu LGA — before taking the passengers hostage.
The attack heightens tension in the area and comes barely three weeks after armed men, believed to be robbers, opened fire on two police officers at a checkpoint on the same Ogobia–Adoka axis.
The officers, Inspector Amos Okoh and Inspector Joseph Adowebo, were said to be on routine patrol when they were attacked.
Residents say the worsening security situation along the stretch has left commuters fearful, as the rate of violent ambushes continues to rise despite previous complaints to authorities.
Security agencies have yet to issue an official statement on the latest incident.