Manny Ita –
Armed bandits have abducted six travelers along the Naka–Makurdi road in Benue State, including four members of the Ansaarudeen Islamic Society, in an attack that has heightened security concerns along the busy corridor. The victims were reportedly seized while traveling through a vulnerable stretch of the highway known for recurrent criminal activity, with witnesses describing the incident as swift and coordinated.
Local sources said the attackers intercepted the vehicle carrying the victims, forcing it to a halt before whisking the passengers away into nearby bushland. “They blocked the road suddenly and started shooting into the air. Everyone ran for safety, but six people were taken,” a resident familiar with the incident recounted.
Community leaders confirmed that the kidnappers have contacted families of the victims and are demanding a ransom of ₦100 million for their release. A representative of the affected religious group stated that the abducted members were returning from an official engagement when the attack occurred. “They are peaceful people who were simply traveling home. We are appealing to the authorities to act swiftly to secure their freedom,” the representative said.
The Naka–Makurdi road, which links several communities to the Benue State capital, has witnessed repeated incidents of kidnapping and armed robbery in recent months, prompting calls for increased patrols and security checkpoints. Residents say many commuters now avoid traveling the route after dusk due to fear of attacks.
Security agencies in the state have acknowledged the incident and say efforts are underway to rescue the victims. A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, noted that operatives have launched a search operation in surrounding forests. “We are tracking the perpetrators and doing everything possible to ensure the safe return of the abductees,” the official said.
Families of the victims, meanwhile, remain in distress as negotiations reportedly continue, with community elders and religious leaders exploring all possible avenues for their safe release. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by kidnapping gangs across parts of Nigeria’s Middle Belt, where travelers increasingly face the risk of abduction for ransom despite ongoing security operations.
