Suspected bandits in Benue State have abducted 14 passengers, killing two, while armed herders killed five people in separate attacks across the state.
The abduction happened on Monday evening along the Okpokwu axis. Passengers travelling from the Igede area of Oju and Obi local government areas were targeted, while the herders’ attack occurred in Tuutuu, Entekpa Ward of Adoka, Otukpo Local Government Area.
The victims of the bandit attack were reportedly on their way to the South West when their vehicle was intercepted around 7 pm along the Okpokwu route.
This incident comes less than 48 hours after nine worshippers were kidnapped during a vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije in Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area.
A source said, “They departed Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA around 7 pm. The driver passed through Utonkon-Ojapo/Okpoga road when the kidnappers stopped them and took 15 passengers into the bush. One person was shot dead when the driver refused to stop.”
Oju LGA chairman, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the attack, saying, “My security officer called me a few hours ago and told me that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis. I learnt that two passengers were killed and the bandits whisked away the remaining passengers.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, also confirmed the abduction. “Concerning the abduction of passengers on Okpokwu road, it’s true it happened. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, and we are on top of the situation,” he said.
Confirming the herders’ attack in Tuutuu, Entekpa Ward of Adoka, Otukpo LGA, ward head Oliver Inalegwu told journalists on Tuesday that the village had been abandoned following the assault.
Otukpo LGA chairman, Maxwell Ogri, described the attack as well-coordinated. He said the attackers used cattle as a decoy before launching a deadly strike.
“I just came from the community. There was information that strangers had entered the village. Later, it became clear that the cattle were just a decoy to distract the villagers. While the cows were coming from one side, the attackers approached from another and had already positioned themselves in trees before striking. They did a lot of damage. Five people were killed instantly,” Ogri said.
Otukpo and nearby communities have increasingly faced attacks by armed herders. Between January 11 and 13, suspected herders killed five people in Otobi Akpa community and attacked a fully loaded bus on the outskirts of Otukpo township, injuring three passengers.
