Three siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue State with the corpse of their late mother have been abducted by suspected gunmen in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The victims were reportedly travelling to Iklenyi community in Okpokwu Local Government Area for the burial of their mother, who died in Abuja, when they were abducted in the early hours of Saturday.
The incident occurred along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road between Omutele and Ankpechi villages in Oglewu District, an area that has witnessed repeated attacks by armed assailants in recent days.
Residents, who spoke with our correspondent on Saturday, said they heard sporadic gunshots between 3:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., forcing many people to flee their homes for safety.
According to eyewitnesses, the family’s vehicle developed a mechanical fault during the journey, leaving the occupants stranded on the road until about 2:00 a.m.
The sources said the siblings ran into the gunmen while attempting to continue their journey after the vehicle was repaired.
The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Saturday.
Adole said he was on his way to the scene to verify the circumstances surrounding the abduction.
“Yes, I’m going to the scene now to ascertain what really happened,” he said.
