A group of women from the Tyomu community in Benue State took to the Makurdi–Gboko Highway on September 29, 2026, to demand the safe return of 18 residents who were abducted while traveling to Kogi State for a funeral. The demonstrators blocked the major thoroughfare to draw the attention of the Benue State government to the mass kidnapping. According to one of the demonstrators, Doshima, the abduction occurred on Friday, September 24, 2026, when a group of residents chartered a vehicle to travel to the funeral.
The abduction took place along the Adoka-Ankpa highway, and the kidnappers have demanded a ₦30 million ransom from the victims' families. Although the community managed to pay ₦3 million, the victims have still not been released. The Governor's Security Adviser on Internal Affairs, Joseph Har, confirmed the abduction but stated that the exact number of victims is still unverified. He noted that relevant security agencies have been notified and are currently handling the situation.
The State Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Solomon Iorpev, criticized the transport company for failing to alert law enforcement about the incident. Iorpev revealed that according to the State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, authorities only learned of the situation because of the protest that took place on September 29, 2026. The Information Commissioner conveyed a reassurance from the Commissioner of Police, who pledged to guide his team toward an expedited resolution of the matter.
Authorities note that rescue operations are heavily complicated by the tactics of the abductors, who frequently make communications from decoy locations far from their actual base. Officials emphasize that navigating these digital and physical smoke screens makes pinpointing the victims a complex, dangerous challenge. Security forces, led by the Adoka DPO and area guards, are currently pushing to reach a newly identified location of interest.
The Benue State Police Command has yet to receive a formal report about the recent kidnapping, according to spokesperson Peter Aondongu. Speaking via telephone on September 29, 2026, Aondongu stated that patrolling officers found an abandoned vehicle over the weekend, raising fears of an abduction. Because official details are still missing, the police cannot verify the total number of victims.
Meanwhile, law enforcement has successfully restored order and cleared the roadway at Tyom, allowing traffic to flow normally and local businesses to safely reopen. The Information Commissioner appealed to the public, urging citizens to maintain peace, as the government is actively addressing the situation with the utmost urgency.
The kidnapping incident has raised concerns about the security situation in Benue State, particularly along the Adoka-Ankpa highway. The government has assured citizens that it is working to secure the release of the abducted victims and to bring the perpetrators to justice. Key efforts to resolve the situation are ongoing.
Key points
- 18 residents of Tyomu community in Benue State were abducted while traveling to Kogi State for a funeral.
- The kidnappers have demanded a ₦30 million ransom from the victims' families.
- The Benue State government has assured citizens that it is working to secure the release of the abducted victims.
