14 Abducted Benue Passengers Regain Freedom
Last update: February 20, 2026
Disclaimer: This website may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase. We only recommend products or services that we personally use and believe will add value to our readers. Your support is appreciated!
The freed travellers are said to be mostly from Obi and Oju Local Government Areas of the state.
Fourteen passengers abducted by gunmen in Benue State have regained their freedom after a ransom of N1 million was reportedly paid to secure their release.
CBI News reports that the victims were among a 16-member group travelling to the South-West when their vehicle was attacked on February 9 at about 7 p.m. along the Utonkon–Okpokwu Road.
CBI News noted that two passengers were killed during the attack after the driver allegedly refused to stop, prompting the assailants to open fire.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Igede Youth Council, Jairus Awo Otakom, disclosed their release in a statement describing the development as a moment of relief for their families and communities.
According to him, the ransom was jointly raised by families of the victims and the National Union of Road Transport Workers, with each contributing N50,000.
The council called on the Benue State Government to refund the affected families and ensure adequate security deployment along the Utonkon–Okpokwu corridor to forestall further attacks.
Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the victims’ release via phone but said he could not independently verify details of the ransom payment.
He described the decision to pay as unfortunate but necessary to save lives.
