Youths Protest Kidnapping of Traders in Owukpa, Demand Government Action

Youths in Owukpa, a community in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State, took to the streets on Monday to protest the recent kidnapping of local traders. The angry youths blocked the Orokam-Owukpa-Okpoga road, calling on the government to urgently step in and rescue the victims.

The protest followed a disturbing incident that happened over the weekend when a commercial vehicle belonging to Benue Links was hijacked by gunmen. The vehicle, carrying traders, was ambushed along the Owukpa–Orokam road near the Eyiupi community around 7 p.m.

Reports say the passengers were returning to Owukpa from Orba market in Enugu State when the attack occurred. Several female passengers, including both young women and older women, were taken away by the kidnappers.

The attackers, believed to be armed herdsmen, have not contacted any of the victims’ families or made any ransom demands since the incident happened.

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As a result, the community’s youth blocked the major road, insisting that no one should enter or leave the area until something is done. This has left many travelers from Enugu and nearby towns stranded.

Speaking to the press, one of the protesters said, “We are tired of living in fear. These roads are no longer safe. Our sisters and mothers were taken, and no one has said anything. The government must act now.”

The protest has drawn attention to the growing insecurity in rural communities and the urgent need for government intervention. Many residents are now living in fear, especially traders and travelers who regularly use the affected road.

Local leaders and security agencies are yet to release an official statement on the kidnapping in Owukpa or the ongoing protest.

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