Three siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue State with the remains of their late mother have reportedly been abducted by suspected gunmen in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State.
The victims were said to be conveying their mother’s body to Iklenyi community in Okpokwu Local Government Area for burial when they were attacked in the early hours of Saturday, July 18, along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road between Omutele and Ankpechi villages in Oglewu District.
According to eyewitnesses, the family’s vehicle developed a mechanical fault around 2:00 a.m., leaving them stranded. After resuming their journey, they reportedly ran into armed men who abducted the three siblings. Residents also reported hearing gunshots between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., forcing many people in the area to flee for safety.
Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, confirmed the incident, stating that he was on his way to the scene to verify the circumstances surrounding the abduction.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had not officially confirmed the incident. Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, were unsuccessful, while authorities are expected to provide more details as investigations continue.