Panic and outrage have gripped communities in Benue State following the abduction of several female passengers by suspected armed herdsmen along the Owukpa–Orokam road in Ogbadibo Local Government Area.
The brazen attack occurred around 7 p.m. on Saturday evening near the Eyiupi community, as passengers aboard a Benue Links vehicle were returning from Orba market in neighboring Enugu State. According to Hobnob News Nigeria, the assailants ambushed the vehicle and forcibly took away all female passengers, including both young girls and adult women.
Tragically, one of the victims sustained severe gunshot wounds during the assault and was abandoned by the kidnappers due to the severity of her bleeding, which they feared could expose their hideout. She is currently being treated in the intensive care unit of St. Mary’s Hospital in Okpoga.
Amos Agada, the leader of the Owukpa vigilante group, confirmed the incident and stated that as of Sunday morning, there had been no contact from the abductors. He said local security operatives were already mobilizing efforts to locate and rescue the kidnapped women.
Meanwhile, community leader Hon. Adikwu Daniel issued a public statement condemning the attack and urging immediate intervention. He called on the Chairman of Ogbadibo Local Government Council and security agencies to launch urgent rescue operations and to establish a lasting security presence along the notorious route.
“The area has long been a danger zone, and no serious security network is in place to stop or reduce these attacks,” Daniel warned, emphasizing the community’s frustration over repeated incidents of violence and insecurity.
The appeal for swift action has been extended to traditional authorities, including the Ada Ogbadibo, and forwarded to key security institutions such as the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Orokam.
Residents are calling for greater government accountability and enhanced protection for travelers and rural communities as insecurity continues to escalate in the region.
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