Suspected armed herdsmen have reportedly abducted three siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue State with the remains of their late mother, in a disturbing incident along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The victims were said to have been attacked in the early hours of Saturday between the Omutele and Ankpechi communities while conveying their mother’s body to their hometown, Iklenyi in Okpokwu Local Government Area, for burial.
According to a source familiar with the incident, the family’s journey was delayed after their vehicle developed a mechanical fault, forcing them to remain on the road into the early hours of the morning.
“They were still on the road around 2 a.m. because their vehicle broke down. After fixing it, they continued the journey, determined to take their mother home for burial,” the source disclosed.
The siblings reportedly maintained communication with relatives throughout the trip until they reached the stretch between Omutele and Ankpechi, where they were allegedly ambushed by armed men.
“It was the three of them travelling with their mother’s corpse. When they got to that area, the gunmen abducted all three and even took the corpse into the bush. As we speak, they are still being held,” the source added.
The incident has been described as deeply distressing, with calls for urgent intervention by security agencies to secure the victims’ release and recover the remains of the deceased.
“It is heartbreaking that a family already mourning has been subjected to such an ordeal. They abducted not only the children but also took the corpse. We appeal to security agencies to act swiftly and ensure their safe rescue,” the source said.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Mr. Gabriel Adole, said he had been briefed on the situation and was en route to the affected area to obtain firsthand information.
“I have received reports of the incident and I am heading there to ascertain exactly what happened,” he stated.
As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment.
