A kidnap survivor, Mr. Akubobi Fabian, has alleged that armed herders operating in Benue State have set up a criminal hideout they refer to as “Sambisa Forest” in Otukpo Local Government Area, where abducted victims are allegedly kept while ransom negotiations are carried out.
Fabian made the claim shortly after regaining his freedom from kidnappers who held him for six days following an attack along the Ojano Road axis in Otukpo.
Recounting his ordeal, he said he was returning home after purchasing goods when gunmen ambushed the vehicle he was in at about 9 p.m. near Ochobo Bridge.
He explained that the attackers opened fire, deflated one of the vehicle’s tyres, and forced the passengers into the nearby bush.
“We initially thought they were ordinary armed robbers who just wanted money, but they marched us deep into the forest,” he said.
According to him, the victims were made to trek through the night before arriving at the kidnappers’ camp, where they were held under harsh conditions for six days.
Fabian said the abductors demanded ₦10 million for his release, while other victims were asked to pay up to ₦20 million.
“They asked me to bring ₦10 million. Some people were asked to pay ₦20 million. My brother eventually raised ₦1 million, and after six days they released me,” he said.
He further stated that the kidnappers repeatedly referred to their hideout as “Sambisa Forest,” a name commonly associated with the insurgent stronghold in northeastern Nigeria.
“The kidnappers told us they call the place Sambisa Forest. That is what they called the forest where they kept us,” he added.
Fabian also alleged that the camp is located behind the Idoma Doctors Association building in Otukpo, claiming the kidnappers identified themselves as Fulani herders and moved freely in the area.
His account was supported by citizen journalist Meddy Olotu, who interviewed him after his release.
Olotu alleged that the location has repeatedly served as a collection point for ransom payments linked to kidnappings along the Ojano Road axis and nearby communities.
He also claimed that several past abduction cases, including those involving students and travellers, had ransom deliveries made at the same location behind the Idoma Doctors Association building.
Expressing concern, Olotu said the area continues to be mentioned in reports of criminal activity, yet kidnappers allegedly still carry out negotiations and collect ransom there without interruption.
He also referenced a recent incident in Ojano where a man was reportedly shot by gunmen. The victim was taken to hospital but later died and was moved to the mortuary.
Fabian confirmed that the incident was reported to the police after his release, adding that one person was killed during the attack that led to his abduction. He said the attackers opened fire near a checkpoint before forcing passengers into the forest.
The allegations have heightened concerns over worsening insecurity in parts of Benue South, particularly along the Otukpo-Ojano axis, where residents have repeatedly raised alarm over frequent kidnappings and violent attacks.
Security agencies had not issued an official response to the allegations at the time of this report.
