Fourteen passengers of Igede extraction abducted along the Utonkon–Okpokwu Road in Benue State have regained their freedom after a ransom of ₦1 million was reportedly paid.
The victims were among 16 travellers from Obi and Oju Local Government Areas who were kidnapped at about 7pm on 9 February while travelling towards Nigeria’s South-West region. Two of the passengers were earlier killed when gunmen reportedly opened fire on their vehicle after the driver allegedly refused to stop.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Igede Youth Council, Jairus Awo Otakom, confirmed the release in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Tuesday. He expressed gratitude for the safe return of the victims, describing it as a moment of relief for their families and the Igede community.
According to Otakom, the ₦1 million ransom was jointly raised by the victims’ families and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). He disclosed that families contributed ₦500,000, which was matched with an additional ₦500,000 from the transport union to secure the release of the captives.
“While we celebrate their lives, we remain saddened that ordinary citizens must pay for the security that should
be guaranteed by the state,” he said.The council commended the NURTW for what it described as proactive leadership, financial support and coordination that facilitated the victims’ release. It also called on the Benue State Government to refund the ransom paid by the families and deploy adequate security personnel along the Utonkon–Okpokwu route to safeguard road users.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, told journalists that the abducted passengers had been freed but said he could not verify the ransom details.
“Yes, I was told that they have been released. On the ransom paid, I don’t have the idea, but no amount of money can equal their lives,” he stated.
Ominyi lamented the persistent insecurity along the road and pledged to convene a meeting with chairmen of neighbouring local governments to strengthen security measures in the area.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she could not immediately confirm the release or the alleged ransom payment, promising to provide updates once details are available.
The Utonkon–Okpokwu corridor has witnessed recurring security incidents in recent months, raising concerns among residents and commuters over the safety of the route.
