Six people travelling with a woman’s remains for burial were abducted along Adoka Road in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State on October 30, 2026, according to reports quoting police and the local council chairman.
PUNCH and Tribune reported that the group was heading from Kano to Okpoga, headquarters of Okpokwu Local Government Area, when gunmen intercepted their vehicle. The travellers reportedly included the deceased woman’s husband and five companions.
Benue police spokesperson Peter Aondongu was quoted confirming that the abduction occurred on Friday and that officers were working to rescue the victims. In coverage published on November 2–3, LEADERSHIP separately reported a telephone interview in which he said security personnel had been mobilised to the area.
Burial journey interrupted
Local accounts placed the interception at approximately 8 p.m. The woman’s remains were reportedly left behind when the six travellers were taken away.
Otukpo council chairman Maxwell Ogiri also confirmed the incident in remarks reported by PUNCH. He said the vehicle’s driver was his friend and that security agencies, local vigilantes and youths were making efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Current status awaits confirmation
Local-source accounts published on November 2 described the travellers as still being held at that time.
IDNN has not directly interviewed police, the council chairman or the affected families, and had not verified a subsequent rescue or release update as of November 3.
