February 10, (THEWILL) — Fresh tension gripped Benue State on Monday evening, February 9, 2026, as suspected bandits killed two passengers and abducted 14 others along the Okpokwu axis.
The incident has intensified fears over the deteriorating security situation in the state’s southern and central districts.
The attack occurred less than 24 hours after gunmen stormed St. John’s Catholic Church, Ojije, in the Utonkon District of Ado Local Government Area during the early hours of Sunday.
In that raid, at least nine worshippers, including women and youths, were abducted while participating in a 30-day prayer vigil.
The Monday evening victims were traveling from the Igede axis of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas toward the South-West when their vehicle was intercepted at approximately 7:00 p.m.
A local source stated that the passengers had departed Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA and were moving along the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road when the bandits struck.
“They stopped the vehicle and forced the passengers into the bush. One person was shot dead instantly when the driver initially refused to stop,” the source said.
Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, stated that he was informed of two fatalities.
“My security officer called me a few hours ago and told me that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis. I have contacted personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the area. I learnt that two of the passengers were killed and the bandits whisked away the remaining passengers,” Ominyi said.
The spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed that tactical units and local vigilantes have been deployed to track the abductors.
While details are still being compiled, she assured that the police are on the trail of the perpetrators.
The spate of attacks follows a series of violent incidents in the state this month, including the killing of over 16 people in Abande village on February 4 and a market raid that claimed 13 lives two days later.
Residents of Utonkon and surrounding communities say they now live in constant fear, with farming and trading activities largely paralyzed.
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