•Bandits
Six travellers, including four members of the Ansaarudeen Islamic Society, were abducted by suspected bandits along the Naka-Makurdi road in Benue State, with the kidnappers demanding N100 million for their release.
The victims were reportedly travelling in a convoy when their vehicle was intercepted around Kula village, about 20 minutes’ drive from Makurdi, reports Vanguard.
A family member of one of the abducted persons, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the incident occurred shortly after the group departed Naka in the early hours of today.
“My God, I have always heard about kidnappings, but now it is clear to me that it is real. Four of our Ansaarudeen members were kidnapped this morning along the Makurdi-Naka road, and the kidnappers are asking for N100 million for their release. We are currently at the mosque praying for them,” the source said.
According to him, the travellers were six in number, consisting of three men and three women and had left Ilorin yesterday. They reportedly arrived late and decided to pass the night before resuming their journey at about 5am, only to run into armed men who abducted them.
He disclosed that the kidnappers made contact about two hours after the incident, demanding N100 million ransom.
Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Mr. Victor Ormin, who confirmed the abduction, said, “It is true, I have confirmed the abduction of the people.
“I was told that they left Naka around 5am today in a convoy before they ran into bandits who abducted some of them,” Ormin said.
He added that the incident occurred along the Naka-Makurdi road, close to Makurdi, but noted that he could not immediately confirm the exact number of those abducted.
Meanwhile, families of the victims have commenced efforts to secure their release.
“We are already discussing and negotiating on how to raise the money. It is not easy, but we are praying and hoping they return safely,” the husband of one of the victims said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, had not responded to enquiries on the incident as of the time of this report.
