Ben Ezechime, Enugu
Scores of traders who were on their way from Enugu State to Benue State for business have reportedly been abducted and taken into the forest in Owukoa, Ogbadigb Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources said that the marauders hijacked the commuter bus conveying the traders from Orie Orba Market in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State to neighboring Benue State on Saturday.
The victims were said to be on board Benue Links mass transit vehicle along the Obollo Afor–Otukpo highway when they were ambushed by the gunmen.
The passengers most of whom were females were led into the forest around Owukpa–Orokam area in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State.
The exact scene of the incident which occurred around 7p.m was identified as Eyiupi community.
The attackers, suspected to be armed herdsmen, took away the female passengers into the forest, except one of the victims who sustained serious bleeding following serious beating by the bandits.
According to the source, one of the victims, who sustained severe gunshot wounds during the attack, was left behind due to excessive bleeding that could have compromised the abductors’ location.
The victim (names withheld) was said to be currently receiving treatment at the intensive care unit of St. Mary’s Hospital in Okpoga.
The Leader of Owukpa vigilante group, Mr Amos Agada, who confirmed the incident, said as of Sunday morning, the kidnappers were yet to contact any of the victims’ families.
He added that local security operatives were already making efforts to rescue the abducted persons.
