Gunmen Kidnap Three Mourning Siblings, Seize Mother’s Corpse in Benue

Tragedy struck in Benue State after suspected armed herdsmen abducted three siblings travelling to their hometown for their mother’s burial and made away with the deceased’s corpse.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped in the early hours of Saturday along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road between Omutele and Ankpechi communities in Ohimini Local Government Area while conveying the remains of their late mother from Abuja to Iklenyi in Okpokwu Local Government Area for burial.

Sources said the siblings were travelling in a vehicle carrying their mother’s body when the gunmen intercepted them, abducted the mourners and took possession of the corpse, leaving family members and residents in shock over the bizarre incident.

The incident has heightened fears among commuters and residents, who described the Ogobia–Otukpo Road as increasingly unsafe due to repeated attacks by armed criminals. They called on security agencies to intensify patrols along the route and ensure the safe rescue of the victims.

The attack adds to the growing insecurity in Benue State, where recurring cases of kidnappings, killings and violent attacks have continued to threaten lives and livelihoods despite ongoing security operations.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official confirmation on the whereabouts of the abducted siblings or the remains of their late mother, while efforts by security agencies to rescue the victims were said to be ongoing.