A family travelling from Abuja to attend the burial of their late mother in Benue State has been thrown into further tragedy after gunmen kidnapped several members along the Otukpo–Ogobia Road, releasing only the driver, the deceased woman’s body, and one of her children while demanding ₦30 million for the release of two remaining siblings.
The victims were reportedly on their way to Oklenyi in Okpokwu Local Government Area when their vehicle developed a mechanical fault, leaving them stranded on the roadside. It was during the stop that armed men allegedly attacked and abducted the occupants.
Driver, Deceased Woman and One Child Regain Freedom
Following the abduction, the kidnappers later released the vehicle’s driver and handed over the body of the elderly woman whose burial the family had been travelling to attend.
The gunmen also freed one of the woman’s three children, but continued to hold the remaining two siblings.
The deceased’s body has since been transported to Okpoga, where funeral arrangements and burial rites have commenced.
Kidnappers Demand ₦30 Million Ransom
Despite the partial release of the victims, the abductors have reportedly contacted the family and are demanding ₦30 million before they will release the two siblings still in captivity.
Relatives are said to be making desperate efforts to raise the ransom while appealing to security agencies to intensify rescue operations and secure the victims’ safe return.
Family Faces Grief and Uncertainty
The incident has left the family caught between mourning and hope.
While they are relieved to have recovered the body of their late mother and proceeded with her burial, they remain deeply worried about the safety of the two family members still being held by the kidnappers.
The attack has once again highlighted the growing insecurity along parts of Benue State’s road network, where incidents of kidnapping for ransom have continued to raise concerns among residents and travellers.
Incident Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Otukpo–Ogobia Road, Benue State |
| Victims | Family travelling from Abuja to Oklenyi, Okpokwu LGA |
| Released | Driver, deceased woman’s body, one sibling |
| Still in Captivity | Two siblings |
| Ransom Demand | ₦30 million |
| Purpose of Journey | Travelling for the burial of their late mother |
As of the latest available information, the Benue State Police Command has not released an official statement regarding the kidnapping or any ongoing rescue efforts.
