14 Kidnapped Benue Passengers Regain Freedom

Fourteen passengers of Igede extraction abducted along the Utonkon–Okpokwu Road in Benue State have regained their freedom after a ransom of N1 million was reportedly paid.

The victims were among 16 travellers from Obi and Oju Local Government Areas who were kidnapped around 7pm on February 9 while heading to the South-West.

Two of the passengers were earlier killed when kidnappers opened fire on their vehicle after the driver allegedly refused to stop.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Igede Youth Council, Jairus Awo Otakom, disclosed the release in a statement posted 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-Okpoga Road. We thank the Almighty for their safe return to their families.”

Otakom revealed that the ransom was jointly raised by the families of the victims 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 also commended the transport union for what it described as proactive leadership, financial support, and coordination that facilitated the victims’ release.

It further urged the state government to refund the ransom paid by the families and deploy adequate security personnel along the Utonkon–Okpokwu route to protect road users.

Confirming the development, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, told journalists that the victims had been freed, though he could not verify the ransom details.

“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 lamented the persistent insecurity along the road and promised to convene a meeting with the chairmen of neighbouring local governments to strengthen security measures in the area.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Udeme Edet, said she could not immediately confirm the release or ransom payment.

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