Again, terrorists kidnap corpse, others on highway

Fresh concerns have emerged on highway over the deteriorating security situation in Benue State after suspected bandits abducted three siblings who were conveying the remains of their late mother from Abuja to their hometown for burial.

The victims were reportedly travelling to Iklenyi community in Okpokwu Local Government Area when they were intercepted by heavily armed gunmen along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area in the early hours of Saturday.

The latest attack comes barely one week after another disturbing incident in which armed men reportedly attacked a vehicle conveying the corpse of a deceased Nigeria Customs Service officer for burial in Benue, abducting some mourners and reportedly taking away the remains of the deceased. Blueprint reports

The recurrence of attacks targeting funeral processions has heightened fears among residents and travellers, many of whom now describe some highways in the state as increasingly unsafe.

Journey ends in tragedy

Sources in the area said the three siblings had departed Abuja with the body of their late mother for burial in their ancestral home when their vehicle developed a mechanical fault along the route.

The breakdown reportedly occurred late Friday night, forcing the occupants to remain stranded for several hours in an isolated section of the road.

Residents said the travellers eventually resumed their journey at about 2:00 a.m. after fixing the fault, unaware that suspected bandits were operating in the area.

As they approached the stretch of road between Omutele and Ankpechi villages in Oglewu District, the gunmen reportedly emerged from the surrounding bushes and intercepted the vehicle.

Witnesses said the attackers opened fire sporadically, creating panic among nearby residents before whisking the three siblings away to an unknown destination.

The remains of their late mother were reportedly left behind at the scene following the abduction.

Residents recount terrifying ordeal

Residents of nearby communities said they were awakened by the sound of gunfire between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m.

Many reportedly fled into nearby bushes and surrounding areas for safety, fearing the attackers could extend their operation to nearby settlements.

Some residents expressed concern over the increasing frequency of attacks along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road, describing the route as one of the most vulnerable corridors for motorists travelling into Benue State.

According to community members, criminal gangs have continued to exploit poor road conditions and limited security presence to ambush unsuspecting travellers, particularly during the night.

The latest incident has renewed calls for increased deployment of security personnel and regular patrols along the highway.

Fresh attack revives painful memories

The abduction has also revived memories of the shocking attack recorded only days earlier when armed men reportedly intercepted a vehicle transporting the corpse of a deceased officer of the Nigeria Customs Service.

In that incident, several sympathisers travelling for the burial were kidnapped, while the attackers allegedly carted away the deceased’s remains.

The two incidents have raised serious concerns over the growing brazenness of criminal groups operating across parts of Benue State and their willingness to target grieving families.

Residents said the repeated attacks have forced many families to reconsider travelling at night, particularly for funeral ceremonies and other social events.

Council chairman confirms incident

Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, confirmed the latest attack.

Speaking shortly after receiving reports of the incident, Adole said he was heading to the scene to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the abduction.

“Yes, I’m going to the scene now to ascertain what really happened,” the council chairman said.

Police yet to issue statement

He assured residents that relevant security agencies would be engaged to ensure those responsible are apprehended and the abducted victims rescued.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement confirming the incident.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, had also not responded to enquiries regarding the attack or any rescue efforts.

However, security sources indicated that efforts were underway to gather intelligence that could assist in locating the abducted siblings and tracking down the perpetrators.

Growing insecurity worries residents

The latest abduction underscores the persistent security challenges confronting Benue State despite repeated assurances by authorities that measures are being intensified to tackle banditry, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

Several communities across the state have, in recent months, witnessed attacks by armed groups, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property and the displacement of many residents.

Travellers have also become frequent targets, with criminal gangs establishing illegal roadblocks or ambushing vehicles along isolated highways to abduct passengers for ransom.

Security experts have urged governments at all levels to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve surveillance along major roads and deploy more security personnel to identified flashpoints.

For grieving families already burdened by the loss of loved ones, attacks on funeral convoys represent an added layer of trauma, further highlighting the urgent need for decisive action to restore public confidence and ensure the safety of lives and property across Benue State.

As relatives anxiously await news of the abducted siblings, many residents are hoping that security agencies will act swiftly to secure their release and prevent a recurrence of such distressing incidents on the state’s highways.