Gunmen Abduct Six Mourners on Benue Highway, Abandon Woman’s Corpse as Kidnappers Demand ₦15m Ransom.

Gunmen Abduct Six Mourners on Benue Highway, Abandon Woman’s Corpse as Kidnappers Demand ₦15m Ransom.

Six persons travelling with the remains of a deceased woman to Okpoga, headquarters of Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State, have reportedly been abducted by suspected kidnappers who abandoned the woman’s corpse inside their vehicle.

The incident occurred at approximately 8 p.m. on Friday, October 30, along the Adoka Otukpo Road in Benue State, according to News reports published on Monday, November 2, 2026.

The victims were reportedly travelling from Kano to Okpoga to convey the deceased woman’s remains to her hometown for burial when armed men intercepted their vehicle around Adoka and whisked away all six occupants.

An activist and citizen journalist, Meddy Olotu, reportedly raised the alarm in a social media video, appealing to security agencies and relevant authorities to intervene and secure the victims’ release.

According to Olotu, the families lost contact with the travellers after they arrived in Adoka on Friday night. He disclosed that operatives of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) discovered the abandoned vehicle and the woman’s corpse the following morning.

The remains were subsequently taken to a police station in Adoka before being deposited in a mortuary.

Kidnappers Reportedly Demand ₦15 Million Ransom

The situation has reportedly become more distressing for the affected family, as the kidnappers have allegedly demanded ₦15 million for the release of the six abducted persons.

Olotu disclosed that the abductors had contacted the family, with one relative reportedly communicating with them in Hausa to establish contact and negotiate.

The family, already dealing with the loss of a loved one, now faces the additional pressure of raising the demanded ransom while seeking the safe return of their relatives.

As of Monday, November 2, the six victims were reportedly still in captivity.

Police Yet to Confirm Incident

Efforts to obtain an official response from the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Orchia Peter Aondong, were unsuccessful as of the time of filing the report.

Consequently, the police had not publicly confirmed the circumstances of the abduction or provided an official update on rescue operations.

The latest incident adds to growing concerns over insecurity along major highways in Benue State, particularly routes used by travellers moving between communities and neighbouring states.

It also raises fresh questions about the safety of civilians undertaking funeral journeys, an occasion that should ordinarily provide families with an opportunity to mourn and lay their loved ones to rest without fear of violence.

Security Concerns and the Need for Urgent Intervention

The abduction underscores the persistent threat posed by kidnapping networks operating along parts of Nigeria’s North Central corridor.

Benue State has experienced repeated security challenges, including armed attacks, kidnappings and communal violence. These incidents have disrupted livelihoods, restricted movement and heightened anxiety among residents and road users.

The safe recovery of the six abducted travellers remains the immediate priority. Security agencies must intensify intelligence led operations, strengthen surveillance along vulnerable routes and work with local communities to prevent further attacks.

For the affected family, the tragedy extends beyond the loss of a loved one. Their attempt to bring the deceased home for burial has reportedly ended in another crisis, with six family members now facing an uncertain situation in the hands of their abductors.

The Benue State Police Command and other relevant security authorities are expected to provide clarification and updates as efforts to establish the victims’ whereabouts continue.