Six travellers, including four members of the Ansaarudeen Islamic Society, were yesterday morning kidnapped by gunmen along the Makurdi-Naka road in Benue State, with the abductors demanding N100 million for their release.
The victims were said to be travelling in a convoy when their vehicle was ambushed around Kula village, about 20 minutes’ drive from Makurdi.
A family member of one of the abducted persons, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the incident happened shortly after the group left Naka in the early hours of yesterday.
“My God, I have always heard about kidnappings, but now it is clear to me that it is real. Four of our Ansaarudeen members were kidnapped this morning along the Makurdi-Naka road, and the kidnappers are asking for N100 million for their release. We are currently at the mosque praying for them,” the source said.
According to him, the travellers were six in number, made up of three men and three women and had departed Ilorin on Monday. They reportedly arrived late and chose to spend the night before continuing their journey at about 5am, only to encounter armed men who abducted them.
He revealed that the kidnappers made contact about two hours after the incident, demanding N100 million ransom.
Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Mr. Victor Ormin who confirmed the abduction, said “I have confirmed the abduction of the people. I was told that they left Naka around 5am this morning in a convoy before they ran into bandits who abducted some of them.”
He added that the incident occurred along the Makurdi-Naka road, near Makurdi, but stated that he could not immediately verify the exact number of those abducted.
Meanwhile, families of the victims have begun moves to secure their release.
“We are already discussing and negotiating on how to raise the money. It is not easy, but we are praying and hoping they return safely,” the husband of one of the victims said.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, had not responded to enquiries on the incident as of the time of this report.
