Gunmen Abduct Commuters Along Oweto-Apa-Adoka-Otukpo Highway in Benue State

Several travelers have reportedly been kidnapped following an ambush by unknown armed men suspected to be herdsmen along the Oweto-Apa-Adoka-Otukpo expressway in Benue State. The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening between the Asaba and Olojo axis.

Multiple truck drivers and other road users traveling from Otukpo to Oweto, and vice versa, were allegedly abducted during the attack. According to reports, some victims were fatally shot while others were forcefully taken away.

An eyewitness at the scene described a horrifying moment where a commercial motorcycle rider (Okada), who was en route to Agatu transporting a casket, was murdered. His motorcycle, alongside the coffin and several trucks, was left deserted on the road, painting a grim picture of the incident.

Speaking on the situation, John Ikwulono, the former chairman of Apa Local Government Area, verified the tragic occurrence in a conversation with LMSINT MEDIA. He noted that the total number of affected individuals remains unclear at this stage.

“Except for the young man who was shot near the highway, we can’t determine the full extent of the casualties yet. The gunshots were continuous. I suspect they were fired to deter escape attempts by travelers,” Ikwulono explained.

At the time this report was published, attempts to contact the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful as she did not respond to calls.