Three siblings taking the body of their late mother from Abuja to Benue State for burial were reportedly kidnapped by suspected armed herdsmen along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The incident was said to have happened in the early hours of Saturday between the Omutele and Ankpechi communities. The siblings were on their way to their hometown, Iklenyi in Okpokwu Local Government Area, to bury their mother.
A source familiar with the incident said the family’s journey was delayed after their vehicle developed a mechanical fault.
“Even at about 2am they were still on the road because their vehicle had broken down. After repairing it, they continued the journey because they were determined to take their mother’s body home for burial,” the source said.
The source explained that the siblings stayed in touch with relatives throughout the trip until they got to the road linking Omutele and Ankpechi, where suspected armed men reportedly attacked them.
“It was the three of them travelling with the corpse of their mother. When they got to that area, the armed men abducted all three siblings and even took the corpse of their mother into the bush. As we speak, they are still being held,” the source added.
Calling the incident heartbreaking, the source urged security agencies to step up efforts to rescue the victims and recover the body of the deceased.
“It is painful that a family already grieving the loss of their mother has been subjected to this ordeal. They kidnapped not only the children but also took the corpse of a dead woman. We appeal to the security agencies to act swiftly and ensure their safe rescue,” the source said.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Mr. Gabriel Adole, confirmed the incident. He said he had received reports of the abduction and was travelling to the community to get firsthand details.
“I have been informed about the incident and I am heading to the area to ascertain exactly what happened,” Adole said.
The Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, could not be reached for comment when this report was filed.
