Mirian Gom 
MAKURDI, Nigeria – Two of the three siblings abducted while transporting their late mother’s remains from Abuja to Benue State for burial have been released, while security operatives continue efforts to rescue the remaining victim, local authorities said.
The siblings were kidnapped at about 4 a.m. on Saturday along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road between Omutele and Ankpechi communities in Ohimini Local Government Area as they travelled to Iklenyi Community in Okpokwu Local Government Area for their mother’s burial.
A resident, who identified himself only as Elijah, said the abductors freed two of the victims on Saturday night and also released the deceased woman’s body to enable the family to proceed with the burial.
“The kidnappers released two siblings and dumped the corpse last night (Saturday night) so they could bury their mother. But one of them is still being held,” Elijah said.
Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area, Gabriel Adole, confirmed that the deceased woman’s remains had been released and taken to Okpokwu for burial.
He said security agencies have intensified operations in the surrounding forest to secure the release of the remaining captive.
“The corpse has already been taken to Okpokwu for burial. It is one of them that is still with the kidnappers; they are yet to release him,” Adole said.
“As we speak (Sunday evening), security operatives, including conventional police officers, soldiers and other security agents, are still in the bush trying to rescue the victim,” he added.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Benue State Police Command, DSP Udeme Edet, said she had not yet received an official report of the incident from the Divisional Police Officer in Ohimini Local Government Area.
The abduction has renewed concerns over insecurity along the Ogobia–Otukpo Road, where residents have repeatedly called for stronger security patrols to protect travellers.
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Korede Abdullah