Youths of Owukpa in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State took to the streets on Monday in protest over the recent abduction of female traders in the area, blocking major roads and leaving travelers stranded.

The protest follows a weekend incident where suspected armed men, believed to be herdsmen, hijacked a Benue Links vehicle along the Owukpa–Orokam road and abducted several female passengers, both young and adult.

According to reports, the kidnapping occurred around 7 p.m. near the Eyiupi community as the victims were returning from Orba market in Enugu State to Owukpa. Since the abduction, the kidnappers have not made contact with the families of the victims to make any demands.

Road Blockade Paralyzes Movement

The angry youths have blocked the Orokam-Owukpa-Okpoga road, demanding immediate government action to rescue the abducted women. The blockade has left travelers from Enugu and neighboring communities stranded as protesters have insisted that no one should enter or leave the community until their demands are met.

This incident adds to growing security concerns in Benue State, which has witnessed several attacks in recent months. The state, particularly its rural communities, has been grappling with security challenges including kidnappings and violent attacks allegedly perpetrated by armed groups.

Local authorities are yet to issue an official statement regarding the kidnapping or the ongoing protests. Community leaders have called for calm while urging security agencies to intensify efforts to rescue the abducted women and apprehend the perpetrators.

The protest highlights growing frustration among local communities over what they perceive as inadequate security measures to protect citizens from armed attacks and abductions in the region.