Bandits Strike Again In Benue, Abduct Six, Demand ₦100 Million Ransom

Armed bandits have once again abducted six travellers along the Makurdi-Naka road in Gwer West Local Government of Benue State.

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Naija News reports that the development comes barely one week after 23 persons, including nine worshipers, were abducted at separate incidents in Ado and Okpokwu LGs of the state.

According to The Sun, the latest incident happened at the early hours of Tuesday, February 17 2026, at Kula village, about a 20-minute drive to Makurdi, the state capital.

A relative of one of the victims, who didn’t want to be named for fear of attacks, said the victims left Ilorin enroute Makurdi on Monday, “And when it was night, they spent the night in Ankpa, Kogi state due to insecurity along the road.

He said “They were seven in the vehicle and left Ankpa early hours of today (Tuesday) but their vehicle was intercepted at Kula village about 20 minutes drive to Makurdi.

“One of the passengers escaped while the six others, three males and three females were whisked away by the kidnappers.”

The source said the suspected kidnappers have demanded ₦100 million ransom for the release of the six victims.

Confirming the incident, Chairman of Gwer West Local Government, Victor Omnin said the incident happened early hours of Tuesday along Naka/Makurdi road.

The chairman said, “It’s true, I have confirmed the abduction of the people. I was told that the incident happened around 5am this morning, they said the people were going on convoy before they ran into bandits who abducted some of them.

“The incident happened closed to Makurdi but along Naka/Makurdi road. I don’t have the number of people abducted.”

However, Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO)DSP Udeme Edet said the command was yet to receive the report.