Owukpa, Benue State – Tensions flared in Owukpa community, Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State on Monday, as enraged youths took to the streets in protest following the abduction of several female traders over the weekend.
The incident, which has sparked fear and outrage in the community, occurred on Saturday evening around 7 p.m. when suspected armed herdsmen hijacked a Benue Links commercial vehicle along the Owukpa–Orokam road. The victims, mostly women, were returning from Orba market in Enugu State when the vehicle was ambushed near the Eyiupi community.
Eyewitnesses say the attackers forcefully took away the female passengers — both young and adult — into a nearby forest. Since the abduction, there has been no contact or ransom demand from the kidnappers, deepening anxiety among families and residents.
In response, angry youths from Owukpa blocked the Orokam-Owukpa-Okpoga road on Monday morning, paralyzing movement and demanding urgent intervention from the government and security agencies. The protesters vowed not to allow entry into or exit from the community until concrete steps are taken to rescue the victims.
As of press time, travelers from Enugu and surrounding communities remain stranded due to the road blockade, while security operatives are yet to make a public statement on the incident.
Residents are calling on the Benue State Government and security forces to act swiftly to secure the release of the abducted women and restore safety to the area.
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