Residents of Tyomu community in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State have blocked the Makurdi-Gboko Road to protest the abduction of 18 mourners travelling to Kogi State for a burial ceremony.
The victims, mostly women, were reportedly kidnapped on Friday evening, September 25, along the Makurdi-Naka-Adoka-Ankpa Road shortly after passing through Adoka.
The incident sparked outrage in the community, with residents demanding urgent government intervention and safe return of their relatives.
According to reports, the kidnappers demanded N30 million ransom. Community members reportedly raised and paid N3 million, but the abductors refused to release the victims.
Protesters blocked the highway, causing traffic congestion and leaving motorists stranded for hours. Some carried fresh palm fronds while calling on government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on Security and Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, confirmed the abduction but said the exact number of victims was yet to be established.
He said the incident had been reported to security agencies and that the Divisional Police Officer in Adoka and operatives in surrounding areas were working to locate the victims.
The state government appealed for calm.
