In a recent incident in Benue State, Nigeria, suspected bandits have abducted 14 passengers who were traveling from the Igede axis of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas to the Southwest. The abduction occurred on Monday evening around 7 pm when the passengers' vehicle was intercepted along the Okpokwu axis. Reports indicate that the assailants opened fire during the incident, leading to the immediate death of two passengers, highlighting the escalating violence in the region.

This incident followed closely on the heels of an earlier abduction where nine worshipers were taken during a vigil at St John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Ado Local Government Area, less than 48 hours prior. The frequency and brutality of these attacks underscore a growing crisis in Benue State, driven by armed groups who exploit inadequate security measures and target civilians, particularly in rural areas. Local sources revealed that the conflict began when the driver of the vehicle refused to stop, prompting the assailants to resort to gunfire.

Jackson Ominyi, the chairman of Oju Local Government Area, confirmed the abduction and expressed concerns over the safety of residents. The attacks by armed bandits are part of a broader issue in Nigeria, where kidnapping for ransom has become increasingly common, contributing to national instability and strife. This troubling trend calls for urgent action from both local authorities and national government to address the insecurity that plagues the region and ensure the safety of its citizens.