Three siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue State with the remains of their late mother have reportedly been abducted by suspected gunmen in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were said to have been transporting their mother’s body to Iklenyi community in Okpokwu Local Government Area for burial when they were intercepted in the early hours of Saturday, July 18, along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road, between Omutele and Ankpechi villages in Oglewu District. Residents told reporters they heard gunshots between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., prompting many people in the area to flee for safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the family’s vehicle developed a mechanical fault during the journey, leaving the occupants stranded until about 2:00 a.m. The siblings were reportedly attacked and abducted after resuming their trip when they encountered the armed men.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, confirmed the incident, saying he was on his way to the scene to verify the circumstances surrounding the abduction. “Yes, I’m going to the scene now to ascertain what really happened,” Adole said.
The Benue State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the incident as of the time of filing this report. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and a text message sent to her were not answered. Authorities are expected to provide further details as investigations continue.