Two people killed in Benue as gunmen abduct travelers

In an incident along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga Road, gunmen ambushed a commercial bus carrying 16 passengers from Oju and Obi LGAs, killing two people and abducting others.

The attack occurred less than 24 hours after nine worshippers were abducted from St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in Utonkon during a night vigil.

A youth leader in Utonkon, who requested anonymity, said the travellers had departed Iheijwo Market in Oju earlier that evening.

“They left Iheijwo Market about 7p.m., full of hope and expectation, but unfortunately ran into kidnappers along the Utonkon road,” he said.

According to him, the attackers flagged down the bus around 7p.m., but the driver attempted to escape.

“When the driver refused to stop, they started shooting. Two people were killed instantly, while the rest were forced out of the bus and taken into the bush,” he explained.

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The gunmen reportedly seized the passengers’ phones to prevent communication with relatives or security agencies.

While all 14 surviving passengers were initially marched into the forest, two later regained their freedom under unclear circumstances, leaving 12 still in captivity.

The abandoned vehicle was taken to the Utonkon Police Station.

Confirming the incident, Oju Local Government Chairman, Mr. Jackson Onmiyi, said the attack occurred near the boundary between Ado and Okpokwu councils.

“Two of the victims were rescued alive, but sadly, two others were killed by the armed men. Search operations are ongoing to secure the release of the remaining twelve persons still in captivity,” he said.

Onmiyi commended the Chairman of Okpokwu council for swift action that aided the rescue of the two survivors.

“We are doing everything possible, in collaboration with security agencies, to ensure that the abducted passengers were rescued safely,” the Oju Chairman assured.

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