Three siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue State with the remains of their late mother have reportedly been abducted by suspected armed herdsmen along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday between Omutele and Ankpechi communities as the family transported their mother’s body from Abuja to Iklenyi community in Okpokwu Local Government Area for burial.
According to a source familiar with the development, the family experienced an unexpected delay after their vehicle developed a mechanical fault during the journey.
The source explained that the breakdown forced them to remain on the road much longer than anticipated before they eventually repaired the vehicle and resumed the trip.
“Even at about 2 a.m. they were still on the road because their vehicle had broken down. After repairing it, they continued the journey because they were determined to take their mother’s body home for burial,” the source said.
The source further disclosed that the siblings maintained communication with relatives throughout the journey until they reached the stretch of road between Omutele and Ankpechi communities, where armed men allegedly intercepted them.
According to the source, the attackers abducted all three siblings and also took the corpse of their deceased mother into the surrounding bush.
“It was the three of them travelling with the corpse of their mother. When they got to that area, the armed men abducted all three siblings and even took the corpse of their mother into the bush. As we speak, they are still being held,” the source added.
The development has generated concern among residents, particularly because the victims were already mourning the loss of their mother before the tragic incident occurred.
The source described the incident as heartbreaking and called on security agencies to launch an urgent rescue operation.
“It is painful that a family already grieving the loss of their mother has been subjected to this ordeal. They kidnapped not only the children but also took the corpse of a dead woman. We appeal to the security agencies to act swiftly and ensure their safe rescue,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, said he had received reports about the attack and was proceeding to the affected community to obtain firsthand information.
“I have been informed about the incident and I am heading to the area to ascertain exactly what happened,” Adole stated.
As of the time of filing this report, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for official confirmation or further comments.
The incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity along several highways in Benue State, where travellers have repeatedly been targeted by kidnappers and other armed groups despite ongoing security operations.
