The Benue State Police Command on Tuesday confirmed the abduction of 14 travellers along the Okpokwu axis of the state.
The victims were reportedly travelling from communities in the Igede area of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas when they were attacked on Monday evening.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, who confirmed the incident, said security operatives had launched an investigation and were working to rescue the victims.
“Regarding the abduction of passengers along the Okpokwu road, the incident did occur.
“Investigation is ongoing, and we are on top of the situation,” Edet stated.
Sources said the travellers were heading towards the South-West when gunmen intercepted their vehicle around 7pm along the Okpokwu corridor. Two passengers were allegedly shot during the attack.
A resident, who spoke from Makurdi, disclosed that the travellers had departed Iheijwo Market in Oju Local Government Area earlier that evening.
According to the source, the assailants accosted the vehicle along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road and forcefully marched about 15 passengers into the bush.
“One of the victims was shot dead when the driver initially refused to stop,” the source added.
However, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Mr Jackson Ominyi, confirmed that two persons lost their lives in the attack.
Ominyi also revealed that two of the abducted passengers had regained their freedom following intervention by the Chairman of Okpokwu Local Government Area.
“My security officer informed me a few hours ago that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis,” he said.
“I commend the Chairman of Okpokwu LGA for facilitating the rescue of two persons and for assuring that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining 12 abductees.”
The latest incident occurred barely two days after nine worshippers were kidnapped during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, in Ado Local Government Area.
The recent wave of attacks has heightened anxiety among residents and commuters in parts of the state.