GUNMEN, about 3a.m. on Saturday, July 18, abducted three siblings conveying the remains of their mother, who died in Abuja, to Iklenyi community in Okpokwu Local Council of Benue State for burial.
The gunmen reportedly intercepted the victims around rural communities along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road, between Omutele and Ankpechi villages in Oglewu District, Ohimini Local Council, where armed invaders reportedly struck a few days earlier.
Residents said they heard gunshots between 3a.m. and 4a.m., forcing them to flee to safety, after the family’s vehicle developed a mechanical fault during the journey, leaving the occupants stranded on the road until about 2a.m.
The incident reportedly happened as the siblings attempted to resume their journey after the vehicle broke down.
The Chairman of the Local Government, Gabriel Adole, who confirmed the incident later in the morning, said he was on his way to the scene to ascertain what had happened.
The incident was brought to public attention by citizen journalist, Meddy Olotu, through a video shared on social media, saying: “They left Abuja with the corpse of their mother for burial in Iklenyi, but even by 2a.m., they were still on the road, because their vehicle had broken down.”
He stated that despite that, the siblings continued the journey until they were accosted between Ogobia and Otukpo by the kidnappers, who reportedly taking away the body as well.
He described the incident as deeply distressing and advised Nigerians to avoid travelling at night due to the increasing insecurity on major highways, noting: “If you’re using Nigerian roads at this time, please be very careful.
“Even travelling during the day is no longer safe, let alone at night. If your journey is not absolutely necessary, stay where you are.
“It is sad that these criminals no longer have sympathy or conscience. Imagine kidnapping people conveying the corpse of their mother and even taking away the body.”
