Dozens of women from Tyomu community in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State staged a protest on Tuesday, blocking the Makurdi–Gboko Highway to demand government action following the abduction of 18 residents.
The victims, including eight women, were kidnapped last Friday along the Adoka–Ankpa Road while travelling to Kogi State for a burial.
Protesters said the abductors demanded ₦30 million ransom but only ₦3 million had been raised and paid, with no release of the victims.
Security Adviser to the Governor, Joseph Har, confirmed the incident but noted the exact number of abducted persons was unclear.
He explained that security agencies were working to trace the victims, stressing the difficulty of locating kidnappers who often call from places different from where captives are held.
State Commissioner for Information, Solomon Iorpev, criticized the transport company involved for failing to promptly report the incident, saying police only learned of the abduction through the protest.
He assured that the Commissioner of Police was now liaising with the company and families to begin tracing efforts.
Police spokesperson Peter Aondongu added that an abandoned vehicle had been found along the route, but the number of victims remained unconfirmed.
He said officers had cleared the protest site and restored traffic flow, urging residents to remain calm as investigations continue.