Gunmen abduct grain trader, nine others on Benue highway

By Peter Duru

Makurdi—Tension is rising along the Benue-Taraba border after armed men abducted a businesswoman and nine other passengers along the Takum-Tor Donga-Katsina Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victims were reportedly kidnapped on Monday, February 9, 2026, around 10 a.m. at a settlement called Tse-De while traveling from Takum in Taraba State to Tor-Donga Market, a key commercial hub for grain and other agricultural produce.

A relative of the abducted woman, who preferred anonymity, identified her as a grain trader and described the ordeal as traumatic. “My aunt, along with about nine other passengers, was kidnapped while on her way to Tor-Donga Market,” the source said.

Family members expressed alarm over the lack of communication from the abductors, noting that one week after the incident, there has been no contact, leaving relatives anxious about the safety of the victims.

They also raised concerns about recurring security challenges along the route, urging authorities to step up patrols and restore confidence among traders and commuters. “Frequent attacks along this corridor threaten economic activities and livelihoods in the area,” the source said.

Family members appealed to the government and security agencies for urgent action to ensure the safe release of the abductees and to improve safety on the highway.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, had not responded to inquiries at the time of reporting.

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