MAKURDI, BENUE STATE — Protests erupted in Benue State as furious community members blocked a major interstate highway, demanding immediate government and security action following the abduction of 18 mourners.
The victims, including several women, were travelling along the Makurdi–Naka–Adoka–Ankpa axis toward neighboring Kogi State to attend a funeral when heavily armed gunmen ambushed their vehicle. The situation deteriorated rapidly after details of the victims' captivity came to light. According to local sources, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦30 million.
Despite the community banding together to raise ₦3 million, the abductors rejected the payment and refused to release the captives. Pushed to a breaking point by the failed negotiations and growing fears for their loved ones' safety, residents gathered in large numbers to protest.
Demonstrators, waving fresh palm fronds and singing native chants, blocked the Makurdi–Gboko highway in the Tyomu community. The blockade brought commercial transport to a standstill, leaving motorists stranded for hours in gridlock.
"This protest is a warning. If our community members abducted on their way to Kogi for a burial are not rescued, we will shut down the roads again." — Terna, local protester
To restore calm, senior state officials and security leaders quickly arrived at the protest site. Col. Alexander Ashungu (rtd.), Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on External Security, urged demonstrators to clear the road to avoid further economic disruption and enable security personnel to coordinate operational responses.
Chief Joseph Har, Special Adviser on Security and Internal Affairs, confirmed the incident, noting that security agencies were actively working to locate the victims despite the complex terrain along the Adoka–Ankpa corridor, where abductors frequently shift positions. Additionally, the Benue State Police Command confirmed the kidnapping and assured the public that security forces were coordinating with neighboring divisions to track down the armed gang and ensure the safe return of all 18 passengers.
Following assurances from government representatives that search-and-rescue operations were underway, protesters temporarily reopened the road to traffic. However, tension in the region remains high, with residents warning that further demonstrations will follow if their relatives are not returned safely.
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