Two passengers have been killed and 14 others kidnapped by bandits when the passengers were travelling from the Igede axis of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas of Benue State.
The passengers were reported travelling to the Southwest when they ran into the bandits at the Okpokwu in the state at about 7 pm on Monday.
This latest attack occurred less than 48 hours after nine worshipers were abducted during a vigil at St John’s Catholic Church, Ojije in Utonkon, Ado LGA of the state.
The attackers shot two passengers who died instantly.
An anonymous local source in Makurdi said “they(victims) departed Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA, around 7 pm, and the driver passed through Utonkon-Ojapo/Okpoga road in Benue State, when the kidnappers stopped them and took 15 passengers into the bush.
“One person was shot dead when the driver refused to stop.”
The Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi confirmed the attack on Tuesday, saying “my security officer called me a few hours ago and told me that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis.
“I have been trying to reach my colleague in Okpokwu LGA, but not yet connected, but I have contacted the personnel of the Directorate of State Security Service in the area.
“I learnt that two of the passengers were killed and the bandits whisked away the remaining passengers.
The state Police spokesperson, Udeme Edet, did not confirm nor deny the report, saying “I will get back to you on this information,” but was yet to do so during press time.
