In the early hours of Tuesday, at least six travelers were abducted by suspected bandits while traveling along the Naka–Makurdi road in Benue State, Nigeria, near the community of Kula Village. The group, which initially consisted of seven people, had made a stop in Ankpa, Kogi State, to avoid the risks of insecurity along their route. As they resumed their journey on Tuesday morning, only about 20 minutes away from Makurdi, their vehicle was intercepted by the kidnappers. One person managed to escape the attack, while the six others, comprising three males and three females, were taken captive.

The local government chairman, Omnin Torsar, confirmed the abduction, stating that the incident occurred around 5 a.m. He mentioned that the kidnappers had demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the victims. This incident adds to the ongoing trend of kidnappings in Nigeria, particularly in the northern regions, where security challenges have led to a rise in such violent crimes. Local officials are under increasing pressure to enhance security measures to ensure the safety of travelers and residents alike.

The abduction of these travelers highlights the dangerous conditions faced by road users in Nigeria due to the activities of bandits and kidnappers. These incidents not only affect the immediate victims and their families but also instigate broader fears regarding safety and security in the region. As negotiations for the victims' release commence following the ransom demand, there is growing concern about the effectiveness of governmental efforts to combat kidnapping and the need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes of such violence in Nigeria's socio-political landscape.