Tragic Incident in Benue: Woman Killed, Revenue Director Abducted

In a shocking turn of events in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, gunmen have claimed the life of a middle-aged woman, Theresa Awuhe, while simultaneously abducting Aribibia Fubara, a director with the Rivers State Board of Internal Revenue Service. This incident has raised serious concerns about safety and security in the region.

The attack occurred on a Tuesday night as Theresa was returning home from her shop. She was ambushed by the assailants near the Villa Suite, where they proceeded to shoot her dead without taking any belongings, indicating a targeted attack rather than a robbery.

A local resident, who wished to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing scene and noted that the gunmen fled the area immediately after the shooting.

In the aftermath of the tragedy, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Benue Command, Superintendent Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, stating that an investigation is currently underway. She emphasized that the police are actively working to uncover the circumstances surrounding Theresa’s death and the motives behind the attack.

On the following Tuesday, the situation escalated when Fubara was taken by the same group of gunmen. Reports indicate that the assailants approached the Marine Base area of Port Harcourt via the Okirika waterfront, arriving in a speedboat. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the gunmen, estimated to be around six in number, stormed the area in a commando-style operation, firing shots into the air and causing panic among the locals.

In the midst of the chaos, the gunmen quickly identified Fubara as their target, abducting him and fleeing the scene in their boat. As of now, there has been no communication from the kidnappers regarding the demands or the condition of Fubara, leaving his family and community in a state of uncertainty and fear.

Grace Iringe-Koko, the spokesperson for the Rivers State police command, has acknowledged the kidnapping and confirmed that an investigation has been launched to rescue Fubara. She stated that the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, has ordered the deployment of tactical units to the area and has instructed area commanders to take immediate action to ensure Fubara’s safe return. Iringe-Koko emphasized the police’s commitment to apprehending the suspects involved in these violent crimes and bringing them to justice.

This tragic incident highlights the ongoing security challenges faced in various regions of Nigeria, where kidnapping and violence have become increasingly prevalent. The community is left grappling with the aftermath of these events, mourning the loss of Theresa Awuhe while simultaneously hoping for the safe recovery of Aribibia Fubara. As investigations continue, both the family and the public await further developments in this distressing situation.