There was tension on the Otukpo – Enugu expressway, along Olanyega/Ogbodo road in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State as gunmen reportedly abducted several passengers late Sunday.
It was gathered that several passengers and motorists were abducted during the attacking, which also involved Benue Links, a state-owned bus line.
Soldiers were said to have trailed the kidnappers after the incident.
The National President of Edumoga, Chief John Onoja, who narrowly escaped the incident, disclosed that several passengers were abducted.
The Olanyega/Ogbodo spot on the Otukpo-Enugu expressway has over time become unsafe for commuters and passengers.
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Benue State Police Command, SP Catherine Anekwe, confirmed the incident, adding that it is being investigated.
Similarly, gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen have abducted a Catholic priest, Reverend Father Marcellinus Okide, and six other motorists in separate locations across Enugu State.
READ ALSO: Three Arrested For Killing Senator Adeola’s Aide
Their abduction is coming barely 24 hours after a middle-aged man was killed and several others kidnapped in Enugu State on Saturday.
Fr Okide, a Parish priest of St. Mary’s Catholic church Amofia-Agu Affa in Udi local government area of Enugu State, was kidnapped on Sunday evening around 5:00 pm along Eke-Affa-Egede Road while returning to his Parish.
The Catholic Diocese of Enugu State has confirmed his abduction and called on Christians to pray for his safety.
The Diocesan Communication Director, Rev. Fr. Anthony Aneke, who confirmed his abduction in a statement, decried the upsurge in insecurity in the state, South East, and the entire country, appealing to both the security agencies and the government to live to the calling and ensure the security of Nigerians at all times.
Fr. Aneke said that fr. Okide was kidnapped at approximately 5:00 p.m. while traveling along the Eke-Egede-Affa Road in Nigeria.
The statement partly read, “In a troubling incident, Rev. Fr. Marcellinus Obioma Okide, a Catholic priest, was abducted on September 17, 2023, at approximately 5:00 p.m. while traveling along the Eke-Egede-Affa Road in Nigeria. Fr. Okide, who serves at St. Mary Amofia-Agu Affa Parish, was en route to his parish when the unfortunate incident occurred.”