Kidnappers Release Husband and Five Mourners in Benue After Ransom Paid

Kidnappers have released a husband and five mourners who were taken hostage in Benue State while transporting a deceased woman’s body for burial. This release came after a ransom of 2.5 million Naira was paid.

The group was abducted on Friday evening along Adoka Road in the Otukpo Local Government Area. They were on their way to Okpoga in the Okpokwu Local Government Area when their vehicle was stopped by the kidnappers. The deceased woman had passed away in Kano, and her husband was bringing her body home.

During the kidnapping, the woman’s corpse was left on the side of the road while the kidnappers demanded a ransom of 15 million Naira for the release of the six individuals. However, a source indicated that they were freed early Wednesday morning after the family managed to pay 2.5 million Naira.

Maxwell Ogiri, the Chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, confirmed the victims’ release but did not comment on the ransom amount. He stated, “It’s true that the victims were released between Tuesday night and the early hours of Wednesday.” Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer for the state, DSP Peter Aondongu, mentioned that he had not yet received a report confirming their release.