Gunmen kidnap three mourning siblings, seize mother’s corpse in Benue

A deeply distressing incident has occurred in Benue State, Nigeria, where three siblings were reportedly abducted by suspected armed herdsmen while en route to bury their mother. The family was traveling from Abuja to their hometown, Iklenyi in Okpokwu Local Government Area, with the remains of their late mother.

The abduction took place in the early hours of Saturday along the Ogobia-Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area. According to a source close to the family, their journey was delayed due to a vehicle breakdown, causing them to be on the road in the early morning hours.

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It was the three of them travelling with the corpse of their mother. When they got to that area, the armed men abducted all three siblings and even took the corpse of their mother into the bush.

"It was the three of them travelling with the corpse of their mother. When they got to that area, the armed men abducted all three siblings and even took the corpse of their mother into the bush," the source stated. The family had maintained contact with relatives until they reached the ambush point between Omutele and Ankpechi communities.

The incident has been described as heartbreaking, with an urgent appeal made to security agencies to intensify efforts for the safe rescue of the victims and the recovery of the deceased's body. The Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Mr. Gabriel Adole, confirmed receiving reports and was heading to the affected community for firsthand information. Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

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It is painful that a family already grieving the loss of their mother has been subjected to this ordeal. They kidnapped not only the children but also took the corpse of a dead woman. We appeal to the security agencies to act swiftly and ensure their safe rescue.