Residents of Tyomu community in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State have blocked the Makurdi-Gboko Road to protest the alleged abduction of 18 mourners, mostly women, who were travelling to Kogi State for a burial ceremony.
The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Friday evening, September 25, along the Makurdi-Naka-Adoka-Ankpa Road, shortly after passing through Adoka. The abduction sparked outrage in the community, with residents demanding urgent government intervention and the safe return of their relatives.
According to reports, the kidnappers contacted the victims’ families and demanded a ransom of ₦30 million. Community members reportedly raised and paid ₦3 million, but the abductors allegedly refused to release the victims.
The protest saw residents block the highway, causing traffic congestion and leaving motorists stranded for hours. Some demonstrators carried fresh palm fronds while calling on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the victims and secure their release.
Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia’s Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, confirmed that the abduction had occurred but said the exact number of victims was yet to be established.
He said the incident had been reported to security agencies, adding that the Divisional Police Officer in Adoka and security operatives in surrounding areas were working to locate the victims. The state government also appealed for calm as efforts continued.