By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Gunmen seize 10 travellers in Benue
Gunmen struck at the Taraba/Benue border community in Jootar, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, reportedly kidnapping ten travellers on Friday.
According to an anonymous source, the driver of the targeted vehicle narrowly escaped abduction and recounted the terrifying attack. The driver, who had picked up the passengers from Takum junction in Wukari, Taraba State, was en route to drop them off in Gboko, where they planned to connect to Akure for work.
The incident occurred just 2 km from Jootar, Ukum LGA, shortly after noon on Friday. The driver managed to contact a familiar acquaintance after the attackers confiscated his phone.
Upon reaching out for help, the driver promptly reported the abduction at the Jootar police station.
Lawmaker Ezra Nyiyongo, representing Ukum State Constituency, confirmed receiving the report. He relayed the driver’s account, stating that the victims were headed from Wukari to Gboko and then to Akure for employment opportunities.
However, local officials, including Ukum LG Chairman Victor Iorzaa and the state Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, expressed uncertainty about the incident, as neither the police nor the council’s security officer had received the report.
Gunmen seize, Travellers