‎Suspected bandits kidnap six travellers along Benue highway

‎At least six travellers were abducted early Tuesday morning , February 17, 2026, by suspected bandits along the Naka–Makurdi road in Benue State, raising fresh concerns over security along the notorious route.
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‎The incident occurred around Kula Village, a community about 20 minutes’ drive from Makurdi, the state capital, shortly after the group resumed their journey from Naka in the early hours.
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‎According to a relative of one of the victims, who spoke anonymously to newsmen, the travellers — believed to be seven in number — had spent the previous night in Ankpa, Kogi State, due to insecurity along the highway. Their vehicle was intercepted by the assailants near Kula, and while one passenger managed to escape, six others — three males and three females — were seized.
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‎Sources say the kidnappers have demanded a ransom of N100 million for the release of the victims, and families are currently engaged in negotiations.
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‎The Chairman of Gwer West Local Government Area, Omnin Torsar, confirmed the abduction and said the incident happened around 5:00 a.m. as the group was travelling in a convoy close to Makurdi.
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‎Efforts to obtain an official comment from the Benue State Police Command have so far been unsuccessful, with the police’s Public Relations Officer saying she was unaware of the incident at the time of reporting.
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‎This latest kidnapping comes amid a spike in abductions across Benue State. In recent weeks, worshippers were abducted during a church vigil in Ado Local Government Area and travellers were seized in Okpokwu LGA, underscoring the growing security challenge along road corridors in the region.