The corpse of a woman being transported from Abuja to Benue State for burial was reportedly taken into the bush by suspected armed herdsmen after they abducted her three children along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday between the Omutele and Ankpechi communities as the siblings were travelling to their hometown, Iklenyi in Okpokwu Local Government Area, with the remains of their late mother.
A source familiar with the incident said the family’s journey was delayed after their vehicle developed a mechanical fault, forcing them to remain on the road until the early hours of the morning.
“Even at about 2am they were still on the road because their vehicle had broken down. After repairing it, they continued the journey because they were determined to take their mother’s body home for burial,” the source said.
The source explained that the siblings remained in touch with relatives throughout the trip until they reached the section of the road between Omutele and Ankpechi, where they were reportedly ambushed by armed men.
“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. As we speak, they are still being held,” the source added.
The source described the incident as tragic, noting that the family was already mourning the loss of their mother before the abduction occurred.
“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,” the source said.
Confirming the development, the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, said he had been informed of the incident and was heading to the affected community to verify the details.
“I have been informed about the incident and I am heading to the area to ascertain exactly what happened,” Adole said.