Benue: Gunmen release two siblings abducted while accompanying mother’s corpse

…retain one after dumping corpse

Security operatives have launched a rescue operation for one of the three siblings abducted by gunmen in Benue State while transporting their mother’s corpse from Abuja for burial.

Tribune Online gathered that the kidnappers released two of the siblings on Saturday night and abandoned the corpse of their late mother, while one victim remains in captivity.

The siblings were reportedly travelling to Iklenyi community in Okpokwu Local Government Area for the burial when they were abducted at about 4 a.m. on Saturday.

The incident occurred between Omutele and Ankpechi along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road in Oglewu District of Ohimini Local Government Area.

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Speaking with journalists on Sunday, a resident of the community, who identified himself simply as Elijah, said the kidnappers released two of the victims to enable them proceed with their mother’s burial.

“The kidnappers released two siblings and dumped the corpse on Saturday night so they could bury their mother.

“But one of them is still being held,” he said.

Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, confirmed the development, saying the mother’s remains had been taken to Okpokwu for burial.

He added that security personnel had moved into the forest in search of the remaining victim.

“The corpse has been taken to Okpokwu for burial. It is one of the siblings that is still with the kidnappers; they are yet to release him.

“As we speak on Sunday evening, conventional police officers, soldiers and other security agencies are in the bush trying to rescue the victim,” Adole said.

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said the Command had yet to receive an official report of the incident from the Divisional Police Officer in Ohimini Local Government Area.