Gunmen Kill One, Abduct Another in Fresh Attack on Benue Community

Gunmen have reportedly killed one person and abducted another in a fresh attack on Adupi-Orokam community in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, raising fresh concerns over residents’ safety.

The attack reportedly began late on Thursday, October 15, and continued into the early hours of Friday, October 16, 2026, leaving the community in mourning.

The deceased was identified as Emmanuel Odoh, popularly known as “Escape,” while the abducted resident was named as Onyeke Ameh, also known as “Foreign Man.” Ameh was reportedly taken to an unknown destination.

The latest incident comes less than a month after another attack on the community claimed the life of Sunday Anthony Ogwuche, popularly known as “Boys Around,” and led to the abduction of two young men from the residence of Chief Mike Igoche.

Reacting to the latest attack, Chief Mike Enenche Igoche, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for the Ogbadibo State Constituency seat in the 2027 Benue State House of Assembly election, condemned the incident and called for urgent measures to protect residents.

Igoche appealed to Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, Ogbadibo Local Government Chairman, Hon. Sunday Ajuwa, and security agencies to strengthen security in the area and ensure the safe rescue of the abducted resident.

He expressed concern over the repeated attacks, noting that Adupi-Orokam had historically enjoyed peace and security. He also questioned the continued violence and what he described as the apparent silence of leaders over the recurring incidents.

Residents and other concerned stakeholders have called on authorities at the local, state and federal levels to intervene, rescue Ameh and identify those responsible for the attacks. They warned that persistent insecurity could force residents to leave the community if effective measures were not taken.

The latest incident has intensified calls for stronger security, as residents demand the protection of lives and property and the arrest and prosecution of those responsible. As of the time of filing this report, police and other security agencies had not issued an official statement on the attack.