Three siblings travelling from Abuja to Benue State to bury their late mother have reportedly been abducted by suspected gunmen along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road.
The incident is said to have occurred in the early hours of Saturday and was made public by citizen journalist Meddy Olotu, who shared details of the alleged abduction in a video posted on social media.
According to Olotu, the victims were conveying the body of their mother, who died in Abuja, to Iklenyi community in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State for her burial when they came under attack.
He further disclosed that the family had experienced mechanical issues with their vehicle during the journey, forcing them to remain stranded for several hours. After the vehicle was eventually repaired, they resumed their trip at about 2:00 a.m., only to reportedly encounter the suspected kidnappers along the route.
“They left Abuja with the corpse of their mother for burial in Iklenyi, but even by 2:00 a.m., they were still on the road because their vehicle had broken down. Despite that, they continued the journey,” Olotu said.
According to Meddy Olotu, the family was travelling along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road when suspected armed kidnappers allegedly intercepted their vehicle and abducted the three siblings. He further claimed that the attackers also made away with the remains of their late mother.
Describing the incident as heartbreaking, Olotu urged Nigerians to avoid travelling at night, warning that the growing insecurity on major highways has made nighttime journeys increasingly dangerous.
“If you’re using Nigerian roads at this time, please be very careful. Even travelling during the day is no longer safe, let alone at night. If your journey is not absolutely necessary, stay where you are,” he cautioned.
The citizen journalist also condemned the alleged actions of the kidnappers, describing the incident as a disturbing example of the growing brutality and inhumanity of criminal gangs operating across the country.
“It is sad that these criminals no longer have sympathy or conscience. Imagine kidnapping people conveying the corpse of their mother and even taking away the body,” he said.
