Gunmen kidnap 15 Ado-Ekiti-bound travellers, kill one
Gunmen have reportedly kidnapped at least 15 passengers and killed one person at Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue state.
The incident occurred at Ado-Okpoga on Sunday at about 7:30p.m.
The victims were travelling in a bus from Oju Local Government Area in Benue to Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti state when they were attacked.
According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the passengers were kidnapped when the “vehicle driven by one Gbenga Peter, 35, was travelling from Oju Local Government Area in Benue to Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti state with 23 passengers on board was intercepted by nine armed men.
“On reaching Ado-Okpoga, the bus was attacked by nine unknown armed bandits wearing army uniforms. Fifteen passengers were abducted into the bush.”
During the attack, one passenger was reportedly shot dead.
The driver and eight other passengers escaped, and later reported the incident at the Okpokwu police station.
The divisional police officer in Okpokwu reportedly mobilised patrol team for the rescuing of the victims.
Efforts by Thefrontrank to get reaction from the Benue State Police Command proved unsuccessful as the spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached as of press time.
Benue state has been experiencing a series of attacks by non-state actors who kidnap people at will and wreak havoc.
