Suspected bandits have abducted about 14 passengers travelling from Enugu State to Abuja, raising fresh concerns over the safety of travellers along major highways in Benue State.
The passengers were reportedly intercepted along the Ankpechi–Omutele axis of Ohimini Local Government Area, Benue State, while travelling towards Abuja. The incident was reported on Friday, August 14, 2026.
According to reports, the attackers waylaid the vehicle conveying the travellers and forced the passengers into the surrounding bush. The circumstances surrounding the attack, including the exact time it occurred and whether any passengers escaped, were still emerging at the time of reporting.
The latest incident adds to a growing pattern of attacks targeting motorists and passengers travelling through parts of Benue. Major roads connecting the state with neighbouring regions have increasingly become security concerns, with criminal gangs exploiting remote stretches and surrounding forests to carry out kidnappings.
The development is particularly worrying for travellers making long-distance journeys between the South-East and Abuja, as the routes through Benue provide an important connection between the regions.
Kidnapping for ransom has remained a serious security challenge in Nigeria, with travellers, students and other civilians frequently targeted by armed groups. Earlier this year, 14 passengers were also abducted on the Makurdi–Otukpo road in Benue, including students travelling to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. Police confirmed that incident and launched a rescue operation.
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