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 was said to have occurred in the early hours of Saturday. It was brought to public attention by citizen journalist Meddy Olotu through a video shared on social media.
According to Olotu, the victims were transporting the remains of their mother, who died in Abuja, to Iklenyi community in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State for burial when they were attacked.
He revealed that the family encountered mechanical problems during the trip, leaving them stranded for several hours before continuing their journey around 2:00 a.m.
“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.
Olotu alleged that while travelling between Ogobia and Otukpo, armed kidnappers intercepted the vehicle and abducted the three siblings, reportedly taking away the corpse of their deceased mother as well.
He described the incident as deeply distressing and advised Nigerians to avoid travelling at night due to the increasing insecurity on major highways.
“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 further condemned the alleged actions of the kidnappers, saying the incident reflected the alarming level of cruelty among criminal gangs.
“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.
