Protesters Block Makurdi Highway, Demand Release Of Abducted Victims

Hundreds of protesters on Tuesday staged a protest and blocked the Gboko- Makurdi Highway at Tyomu community near Airforce Base in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, urging the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of their abducted family members.

According to Tyomu protesters, at least four members of their community were reportedly abducted along the Adoka-Ankpa Road at the weekend while they were in  Kogi State to attend a burial ceremony.

The angry women and youths who blocked the highway, temporarily causing gridlock on the busy Makurdi road, were calmed down by Benue State Government officials.

One of the protesters, who only identified himself as Terna, told LEADERSHIP that members of the community would resume the protest if the abducted persons were not rescued, “Today’s protest is a warning, and if those of our community members who were abducted in Adoka-Ankpa Road were not rescued or released, we will resume another round of protest”

Addressing the protesters, Special Adviser to Governor Hyacinth Alia on External Security, Col. Alexander Ashungu (Rtd) and the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Joseph Lafia, begged them to appeal to open the Highway for free vehicular movements, which they complied with.

Benue State Police Command’s spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu Orchia, confirmed the abduction but could not verify the number of those mourners who were abducted on their way to Kogi State, assuring that police operatives were working for their safe release.