Three siblings were abducted by suspected armed herdsmen on Saturday while transporting their mother's body from Abuja to their hometown in Benue State. The family was travelling along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area when they were ambushed between Omutele and Ankpechi communities.
The vehicle carrying the three and their mother's remains had broken down earlier in the journey, delaying their trip until the early morning hours. A source close to the family said the siblings had kept relatives informed throughout their travel until they reached the stretch where armed men struck.
"It was the three of them travelling with the corpse of their mother. When they got to that area, the armed men abducted all three siblings and even took the corpse of their mother into the bush," the source told reporters.
The family was heading to Iklenyi in Okpokwu Local Government Area for the burial ceremony. All three siblings remain in captivity, according to sources familiar with the situation.
The source described the incident as deeply distressing and called on security agencies to act urgently. "It is painful that a family already grieving the loss of their mother has been subjected to this ordeal.
They kidnapped not only the children but also took the corpse of a dead woman. We appeal to the security agencies to act swiftly and ensure their safe rescue," the source said.
Gabriel Adole, chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, confirmed he'd received reports of the abduction. He told reporters he was heading to the affected community to gather details about what happened.
DSP Udeme Edet, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, could not be reached for comment on the matter.
