Kidnappers Release Man, Five Mourners Abducted While Taking Wife’s Corpse for Burial in Benue

A man and five other mourners abducted while transporting his late wife’s remains for burial in Benue State have regained their freedom after their families reportedly paid ₦2.5 million in ransom.

The six victims were released between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday, November 4, following their abduction along Adoka Road in Otukpo Local Government Area on Friday.

The victims were travelling to Okpoga in Okpokwu Local Government Area when gunmen reportedly intercepted their vehicle at about 8pm.

The deceased woman had reportedly died in Kano, and her husband, alongside five other mourners, was conveying her remains to Benue State for burial when the attackers struck.

The kidnappers reportedly abandoned the corpse by the roadside before demanding ₦15 million for the release of the six occupants.

However, a source told newsmen that the victims regained their freedom after their families allegedly paid ₦2.5 million.

“The six kidnap victims were released early hours of today after family paid ₦2.5 million,” the source said.

Confirming the development, Otukpo Local Government Chairman, Maxwell Ogiri, said the victims were released between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday.

“It’s true that the victims were released between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday,” Ogiri said.

However, the council chairman declined to confirm whether ransom was paid to secure their freedom.

Meanwhile, the Benue State Police Command said it had yet to receive official confirmation of the victims’ release.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Peter Aondongu, said he was yet to receive a report confirming their release.