Terrorists abducted six travellers along the Naka-Makurdi road in Benue State on Tuesday morning and demanded N100 million for their release.
The attackers struck at Kula village in Gwer West Local Government Area, barely 20 minutes from Makurdi, the state capital.
The victims—three men and three women—formed part of a seven-person convoy travelling from Ilorin in Kwara State.
They had paused overnight in Ankpa, Kogi State, to dodge nighttime dangers before setting out again around 5 a.m.
Terrorists intercepted the vehicles near Kula.
One traveller escaped into the bush, but the remaining six disappeared with their captors.
Families received contact from the terrorists shortly afterward, who named the staggering N100 million ransom.
Furthermore, a relative of one victim, who spoke on condition of anonymity for safety, described the terrifying moment.
“About 20 minutes to Makurdi, their vehicle was intercepted at Kula village.
One passenger escaped, but the remaining six, three men and three women, were taken into the bush,” the relative said.
Gwer West Local Government Chairperson Victor Ormin quickly confirmed the ambush.
He noted the travellers moved in convoy when terrorists suddenly blocked their path around 5 a.m.
Meanwhile, Benue State Police spokesperson Udeme Edet stated she had received no official report on the incident as of Wednesday afternoon.
This brazen attack highlights a sharp resurgence of terrorist activity on the Naka-Makurdi road.
Security deployments last year had restored traffic and confidence to the once-notorious route, yet Tuesday’s events show vulnerabilities remain.
In addition, terrorists have unleashed a wave of violence across Benue in recent weeks.
On February 9, they abducted nine worshippers during a night vigil at St. John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Ado Local Government Area.
Sustained police operations later freed all nine and led to the arrest of four suspects.
Days afterward, terrorists seized 14 passengers along the Okpokwu axis and killed two during the assault.
Earlier in the month, the same groups raided communities and markets in Kwande Local Government Area, leaving several residents dead.
Moreover, four of the latest victims belong to the Ansaarudeen Islamic Society.
Families have already begun frantic negotiations and prayers.
One husband of a victim voiced the anguish many feel: “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 kidnapping deepens fears among motorists and residents in north-central Nigeria.
It also raises urgent questions about sustained security measures needed to keep highways safe and prevent terrorists from tightening their grip on Benue’s roads.
