Three siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue State with the remains of their late mother have reportedly been abducted by suspected armed herdsmen along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Saturday between the Omutele and Ankpechi communities as the family was transporting their mother’s body to Iklenyi in Okpokwu Local Government Area for burial.
A source familiar with the incident said the journey was delayed after the family’s vehicle developed a mechanical fault.
“Even at about 2am they were still on the road because their vehicle had broken down. After repairing it, they continued the journey because they were determined to take their mother’s body home for burial,” the source said.
According to the source, the siblings remained in contact with relatives until they reached the affected stretch of road, where they were allegedly ambushed by armed men.
“It was the three of them travelling with the corpse of their mother. When they got to that area, the armed men abducted all three siblings and even took the corpse of their mother into the bush. As we speak, they are still being held,” the source added.
The source described the incident as heartbreaking and appealed to security agencies to rescue the victims and recover the deceased’s remains.
“It is painful that a family already grieving the loss of their mother has been subjected to this ordeal. They kidnapped not only the children but also took the corpse of a dead woman. We appeal to the security agencies to act swiftly and ensure their safe rescue,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, said he had been informed of the abduction and was heading to the area to obtain firsthand information.
“I have been informed about the incident and I am heading to the area to ascertain exactly what happened,” Adole said.
The Benue State Police Command had yet to comment on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
