By Micah Jonah
February 11, 2026
The Benue State Police Command has confirmed that 14 passengers were abducted along the Okpokwu axis while travelling from the Igede area of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas.
DSP Udeme Edet, the police public relations officer, said investigations are ongoing and assured that the command is on top of the situation.
The passengers were reportedly heading to the South-West when armed men intercepted their vehicle around 7pm on Monday. According to local sources, two passengers were shot dead during the attack after the driver initially refused to stop.
The Chairman of Oju LGA, Mr. Jackson Ominyi, said two of the abducted passengers have been rescued thanks to the efforts of the Okpokwu LGA authorities. He expressed optimism that the remaining 12 abductees would also be rescued.
The attack comes less than 48 hours after nine worshippers were kidnapped during a vigil at St John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, highlighting rising security concerns across Benue State.
