Three siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue State with the remains of their late mother have reportedly been abducted by suspected gunmen in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were said to have been heading to Iklenyi community in Okpokwu Local Government Area to bury their mother, who died in Abuja, when they were intercepted in the early hours of Saturday.
The incident reportedly occurred along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road, between Omutele and Ankpechi villages in Oglewu District. The area had recently witnessed attacks by armed assailants.
Residents told reporters in separate telephone interviews that gunshots rang out between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., forcing people living nearby to flee for safety.
According to eyewitness accounts, the family’s vehicle developed a mechanical fault during the journey, leaving the occupants stranded on the roadside until about 2:00 a.m. It was while attempting to continue their trip that they reportedly ran into the armed men, who abducted the three siblings.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, confirmed the incident, saying he was on his way to the location to obtain firsthand information.
“Yes, I’m going to the scene now to ascertain what really happened,” Adole said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the incident. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, proved unsuccessful, as she neither answered telephone calls nor responded to a text message seeking comments.
(DAILY TRUST)
