Protest-Erupts-in-Owukpa-Over-Abduction-of Female-Traders.
Protest Erupts in Owukpa Over Abduction of Female Traders
Angry Youths Block Major Road, Demand Swift Government Action to Rescue Victims
Tension in Owukpa as Youths Protest Kidnapping of Traders
Youths in the Owukpa community of Ogbadigbo Local Government Area, Benue State, took to the streets in protest on Monday following the abduction of several female traders by suspected armed men.
The protest comes after a harrowing incident over the weekend, during which a Benue Links commercial vehicle was intercepted by gunmen along the Owukpa–Orokam road. According to eyewitnesses, the assailants, believed to be armed herdsmen, ambushed the vehicle near the Eyiupi community around 7 p.m. as the passengers were returning from the Orba market in Enugu State.
Female Passengers Abducted, No Word From Kidnappers
The abducted victims—comprising both young women and adults—were reportedly whisked into the surrounding forest, leaving no trace. As of Monday, families of the kidnapped traders say they have yet to receive any form of communication or ransom demand from the abductors.
This growing silence and lack of action have heightened fear and anger in the affected community, triggering a strong response from the youth.
Road Blockade Leaves Travelers Stranded
In a bid to attract government attention and fast-track rescue efforts, enraged youths barricaded the Orokam-Owukpa-Okpoga road—effectively halting all vehicular movement in and out of the area.
The protest led to severe traffic disruption, leaving travelers from Enugu and surrounding communities stranded for hours. Protesters vowed not to lift the blockade until concrete efforts were made by security agencies and the government to locate and rescue the victims.
Community Cries for Help
Residents of Owukpa have appealed to both the Benue State Government and federal authorities to intervene swiftly and ensure the safe return of the abducted traders. They also called for increased security presence along the troubled route to prevent a recurrence.
The Owukpa–Orokam axis has witnessed growing insecurity in recent times, prompting fears among locals that the area is becoming a soft target for violent criminal elements.
As the situation unfolds, the community awaits decisive action from the authorities to restore safety and bring the perpetrators to justice
Angry Youths Block Major Road, Demand Swift Government Action to Rescue Victims
Wisdom Tide / June 2nd, 2025
Tension in Owukpa as Youths Protest Kidnapping of Traders
Youths in the Owukpa community of Ogbadigbo Local Government Area, Benue State, took to the streets in protest on Monday following the abduction of several female traders by suspected armed men.
The protest comes after a harrowing incident over the weekend, during which a Benue Links commercial vehicle was intercepted by gunmen along the Owukpa–Orokam road. According to eyewitnesses, the assailants, believed to be armed herdsmen, ambushed the vehicle near the Eyiupi community around 7 p.m. as the passengers were returning from the Orba market in Enugu State.
Female Passengers Abducted, No Word From Kidnappers
The abducted victims—comprising both young women and adults—were reportedly whisked into the surrounding forest, leaving no trace. As of Monday, families of the kidnapped traders say they have yet to receive any form of communication or ransom demand from the abductors.
This growing silence and lack of action have heightened fear and anger in the affected community, triggering a strong response from the youth.
Road Blockade Leaves Travelers Stranded
In a bid to attract government attention and fast-track rescue efforts, enraged youths barricaded the Orokam-Owukpa-Okpoga road—effectively halting all vehicular movement in and out of the area.
The protest led to severe traffic disruption, leaving travelers from Enugu and surrounding communities stranded for hours. Protesters vowed not to lift the blockade until concrete efforts were made by security agencies and the government to locate and rescue the victims.
Community Cries for Help
Residents of Owukpa have appealed to both the Benue State Government and federal authorities to intervene swiftly and ensure the safe return of the abducted traders. They also called for increased security presence along the troubled route to prevent a recurrence.
The Owukpa–Orokam axis has witnessed growing insecurity in recent times, prompting fears among locals that the area is becoming a soft target for violent criminal elements.
As the situation unfolds, the community awaits decisive action from the authorities to restore safety and bring the perpetrators to justice
Comments