14 abducted passengers freed after ransom payment in Benue

Fourteen passengers of Igede origin who were kidnapped along the Utonkon–Okpokwu road in Benue State have regained their freedom after a reported ransom payment of ₦1 million.

The victims were among a 16-member group from Obi and Oju Local Government Areas who were travelling to the South-West when armed men attacked their vehicle around 7 p.m. on February 9. During the incident, the gunmen allegedly opened fire after the driver failed to stop, killing two passengers on the spot before abducting the others.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Igede Youth Council, Jairus Awo Otakom, announced their release in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday.

He said, “The Igede Youth Council officially announces the release of our brothers and sisters who were abducted on February 9, 2026, along the Utonkon-Okpokwu Road. We thank the Almighty for their safe return to their families.”

Otakom disclosed that the ransom was sourced through joint efforts by the victims’ families and the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

“The families of the victims painstakingly contributed N500,000, which was augmented by a N500,000 contribution from the National Union of Road Transport Workers, totalling one million naira paid to the captors,” he said.

He added, “While we celebrate their lives, we remain saddened that ordinary citizens must pay for the security that should be guaranteed by the state.”

The council praised the transport union for its leadership and financial backing, noting that its intervention played a key role in securing the captives’ freedom.

It also appealed to the Benue State Government to reimburse the affected families and strengthen security presence along the Utonkon–Okpokwu corridor to safeguard commuters.

Reacting to the development, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed that the abducted passengers had regained freedom but said he could not confirm the ransom figure.

“Yes, I was told that they have been released. On the ransom paid, I don’t have the idea, but no amount of money can equal their lives,” he said.

He added, “Remember, two of them lost their lives, but if ransom was paid to secure the others’ release, I don’t think it is a bad thing, though I don’t know the amount.”

Ominyi decried the recurring security challenges on the road and disclosed plans to meet with neighbouring council chairmen to improve safety measures.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she was yet to confirm the report.

“I will get back to you on this report when I get details,” she stated.