Six mourners abducted while transporting a deceased woman’s body for burial in Benue State have regained their freedom after spending several days in captivity.
The victims included the woman’s husband and five other persons who accompanied him from Kano State to Okpoga, headquarters of Okpokwu Local Government Area. Gunmen reportedly intercepted their vehicle around 8pm on Friday along Adoka Road in Otukpo Local Government Area. The attackers abducted all six occupants but abandoned the woman’s corpse on the highway.
The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦15 million for the victims’ release. However, a source told PUNCH that the families eventually paid ₦2.5 million to secure their freedom.
The victims reportedly regained their freedom in the early hours of Wednesday, November 4, 2026, following the payment. Their release brought relief to their families after days of uncertainty over their safety.
Confirming the development, Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, said the victims regained their freedom between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.
Ogiri acknowledged the release but declined to comment on reports that the families paid a ransom. He confirmed that all six abductees had returned from captivity.
However, the Benue State Police Command had yet to receive official confirmation of their release as of the time of PUNCH’s report. Police spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu, said he was still awaiting information on the development.
The incident has renewed concerns about kidnapping along the Otukpo-Adoka axis and other parts of Benue State. The route has witnessed several abduction incidents in recent months.
In August 2026, gunmen reportedly abducted 14 passengers travelling to Abuja along the Otukpo-Adoka Road. Similarly, attackers kidnapped Catholic priest Reverend Father John Otache and seven other persons in October.
The latest incident highlights the security challenges facing travellers and residents across parts of the state. It also raises concerns about the vulnerability of families travelling long distances for burial ceremonies.
Residents continue to face the threat of roadside attacks, while families often struggle to meet ransom demands.
Security agencies face growing pressure to strengthen surveillance, improve intelligence gathering and intensify patrols along vulnerable highways to prevent further abductions.
