Benue State was thrown into fresh turmoil on Thursday as armed kidnappers seized 15 travelers along the volatile Adoka-Naka Road in Gwer West Local Government Area. The brazen daytime operation targeted two commercial vehicles, marking the latest in a wave of kidnappings plaguing the region.
Details of the Attack:
- First Vehicle: A Makurdi-bound picnic bus with 9 passengers was ambushed near Naka town. Six travelers were dragged into the bush while three escaped.
- Second Vehicle: A Sharon bus carrying 8 passengers from Ankpa, Kogi State was hijacked at the same location, with all occupants taken hostage.
- Escapees: The driver and three passengers who evaded capture reported the incident at Naka Police Station before continuing their journey.
Local monarch HRH Daniel Abomtse confirmed the coordinated attacks occurred just 3km from Naka town, a growing hotspot for criminal activity. “This road has become a death trap,” lamented Yakubu Onu of the Road Transport Workers Union, revealing transporters now avoid the route despite its critical link between Benue and Kogi states.
Security Response:
Benue Police PRO Sewuese Anene acknowledged the incident but provided no operational details, as families of victims anxiously await contact from kidnappers. Community leaders report the abductors typically demand ransoms ranging from ₦5-20 million per victim.
The attack follows Governor Hyacinth Alia’s recent plea for federal security reinforcements rather than state of emergency declarations. Just last week, similar abductions along the Makurdi-Enugu highway left 8 travelers in captivity.
Broader Context:
Benue has recorded 47 kidnap cases in 2025 alone, with criminal gangs exploiting the state’s porous borders and forested terrain. The latest incident occurred despite military checkpoints along major highways, raising questions about security strategy.
As night fell, local vigilante groups mobilized search parties while terrified residents observed an unofficial 6pm curfew. The state government is expected to convene an emergency security meeting Friday amid growing public outrage over the unchecked violence.
Families of victims are advised to await official communication channels as authorities warn against negotiating with kidnappers independently.
