Some of the victims abducted along the Otukpo–Ogobia Road in Benue State have regained their freedom after suspected bandits released the driver, the corpse of an elderly woman and one of her three children.
But the abductors are still holding two of the siblings and are demanding a N30 million ransom for their release.
Recall that the family was reportedly travelling from Abuja to Oklenyi in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State for the burial of their late mother when their vehicle broke down along the Otukpo–Ogobia Road. While stranded, they were allegedly ambushed and kidnapped by armed men.
Family members disclosed that the kidnappers later freed the driver, handed over the deceased woman’s body and released one of the siblings.
The remains of the woman have since been taken to Okpoga, where funeral rites are already underway.
Despite the partial release, two of the siblings are still being held by the kidnappers.
According to the family sources, the abductors have established contact and are demanding ₦30 million before the remaining victims can regain their freedom.
Relatives are said to be working tirelessly to raise the ransom while also urging security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the captives.
The development has left the family with mixed feelings, as they are relieved to have recovered the body of their late mother and proceeded with her burial, yet remain worried about the fate of the two siblings still in captivity.
As of the time of filing this report, Police in Benue had yet to issue any official statement on the incident.
