Gunmen abduct six travellers in Benue, demand N100m ransom

Gunmen on Tuesday morning abducted six travellers near Kula village along the dilapidated Naka–Makurdi road in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State.

Our correspondent gathered that the kidnappers opened communication with the victims’ families about two hours after the abduction, demanding N100 million for their release.

Witnesses said the victims—three men and three women—were travelling in a convoy when their vehicle was intercepted in the early hours of Tuesday.

It was learnt that four of the abducted persons are reportedly members of Ansaarudeen who had departed Ilorin on Monday and arrived in Naka late at night.

They were said to have lodged overnight before resuming their journey around 5am, only to encounter armed men who seized six passengers.

However, some sources claimed the victims spent Monday night in Ankpa area of Kogi State before setting out for Makurdi at about 5am, only to be intercepted by the gunmen in Kula community, close to Makurdi.

One of the victims’ husbands confirmed the incident, stating that the abductors contacted the families about two hours after the attack and demanded N100 million ransom.

“They were six in number—three males and three females. Negotiations are ongoing on how to raise the money,” he said.

Chairman of Gwer West LGA, Victor Ormin, also confirmed the abduction to journalists in Makurdi, describing the victims as travellers attacked while moving in a convoy.

“It’s true, I have confirmed the abduction. I was told they left Naka around 5am before they ran into bandits who abducted some of them,” Ormin said.

He added that the incident occurred near Makurdi along the Naka–Makurdi axis but could not immediately confirm the exact number of victims.

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the Benue State Command, DSP Udeme Edet, had yet to respond to calls and messages seeking comment as of press time.

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