Gunmen Kidnap Three Siblings Escorting Mother’s Corpse to Benue Burial
Three siblings have reportedly been abducted by gunmen while transporting their mother’s body from Abuja for burial in Benue State.
The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Saturday between Omutele and Ankpechi along the Ogobia–Otukpo road in Oglewu District of Ohimini Local Government Area. The victims were reportedly travelling to Iklenyi community in neighbouring Okpokwu LGA when they were attacked.
A resident of Omutele, Elijah, said locals initially feared their community was under attack after hearing gunshots in the early hours of Saturday.
According to Elijah, “We heard sporadic gunshots between 3 and 4am today (Saturday) and we thought it was the Fulani herdsmen that were attacking our community.
“But when day broke, we learnt that gunmen kidnapped some people who were escorting the corpse of their mother from Abuja to Iklenyi community in neighbouring Okpokwu Local Government Area.”
A video circulating on social media claimed the family’s vehicle developed a mechanical fault, leaving them stranded before the kidnappers struck.
Ohimini LGA Chairman, Gabriel Adole, confirmed the incident, saying, “Yes, I am going to the scene of the incident now to ascertain what really happened.”
Police spokesperson DSP Udeme Edet said she had not yet received the report and promised to provide an update after contacting the Divisional Police Officer. No further information had been released at the time of reporting.
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The incident comes weeks after gunmen in Kogi State abducted mourners escorting the remains of a late FRSC Deputy Corps Commander to Benue, although the corpse was later recovered for burial.
