Suspected bandits have abducted no fewer than 14 passengers and killed two others in a fresh attack along the Okpokwu axis of Benue State.

The incident occurred at about 7 p.m. on Monday when a commercial vehicle conveying passengers from the Igede axis of Oju and Obi Local Government Areas to the South-West was intercepted by the attackers.

Sources said the passengers had departed Iheijwo Market in Oju LGA and were travelling through the Utonkon–Ojapo/Okpoga road when the assailants struck. During the attack, two passengers were reportedly shot dead, while others were forced into the bush.

A local source in Makurdi told our correspondent that the driver was shot when he allegedly attempted to evade the attackers.

The chairman of Oju Local Government Area, Jackson Ominyi, confirmed the incident on Tuesday, saying he was informed by his security aide that residents of the area were among those abducted.

“My security officer called me and told me that some of our people were abducted around the Okpokwu axis,” Ominyi said. “I learnt that two passengers were killed, while the remaining ones were taken away.”

He added that he had contacted officials of the Department of State Services (DSS) in the area and was still trying to reach his counterpart in Okpokwu LGA.

The attack came less than 48 hours after nine worshippers were kidnapped during a night vigil at St John’s Catholic Church in Ojije, Utonkon, Ado Local Government Area.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Udeme Edet, neither confirmed nor denied the incident, saying she would revert with details. She had yet to do so as of the time of filing this report.

The spate of attacks has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in Benue State.