By Ado Oyeyemi
Three siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue State with the remains of their late mother have been abducted by suspected gunmen in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were reportedly on their way to Iklenyi community in Okpokwu Local Government Area for their mother’s burial when they were attacked in the early hours of Saturday along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road.
The incident reportedly occurred between Omutele and Ankpechi villages in Oglewu District, an area that had recently witnessed an attack by armed assailants.
Residents said the family’s vehicle developed a mechanical fault during the journey, leaving the occupants stranded for several hours.
They explained that after the vehicle was repaired and the family attempted to continue the trip at about 2 a.m., they encountered the armed men, who abducted the three siblings.
Some residents told journalists that they heard gunshots between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., forcing many people in the area to flee for safety.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, said he was heading to the scene to verify the circumstances surrounding the attack.
“Yes, I’m on my way to the scene now to ascertain what really happened,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to officially confirm the incident.
READ ALSO
- ICPC recovers 400 tricycles allegedly withheld by lawmaker
- Two men arrested over alleged ATM card swap in bank
- Osolo Stool: I’m The Duly Elected Osolo, Prince Jimmy Yekini-Goloba Tells Court
- Police uncover over 30 decomposed bodies after bandits’ attack
- Youths storm checkpoint, recover N4,200 allegedly extorted by police
Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to telephone calls or a text message seeking comments.
