The quiet town of Owukpa in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State was thrown into turmoil on Monday as hundreds of angry youths took to the streets, blocking the Orokam-Owukpa-Okpoga road in a powerful demonstration against the recent abduction of 14 traders, predominantly women. The protesters, chanting slogans and wielding placards, demanded immediate government intervention to secure the release of the captives and address the worsening insecurity plaguing their community. The bold action underscored the growing frustration among residents over recurring kidnappings and the deplorable state of infrastructure, which they believe enables such criminal activities.
The incident that sparked the protest occurred on Saturday, May 31, 2025, around 7 p.m., when suspected armed herdsmen ambushed a Benue Links vehicle near the Eyiupi community along the Owukpa–Orokam road. The traders, most of whom were women returning from Orba market in Enugu State, were forcibly taken from the vehicle in a brazen attack. According to local sources, the kidnappers have since contacted the victims’ families, demanding a staggering N14 million ransom—N1 million for each of the 14 captives. The audacity of the abduction, coupled with the exorbitant ransom demand, has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Owukpa community, igniting outrage and prompting the youth to take a stand.
The protest began in the early hours of Monday, with youths mobilizing quickly to express their anger and demand action. Eyewitnesses described a scene of organized chaos as the demonstrators, armed with makeshift signs and fueled by determination, effectively shut down the major road connecting Owukpa to neighboring communities. Chants of “Enough is enough!” and “Government, save our people!” echoed through the air as the protesters called on both state and federal authorities to intervene. Some carried banners reading, “Our roads are death traps!” and “No more kidnappings in Owukpa!” highlighting the dual crises of insecurity and poor infrastructure.
A youth leader, who identified himself as Emmanuel Oche, spoke passionately to the crowd, accusing local traditional rulers of complicity and betrayal. “Our leaders have failed us. They know who is behind these attacks, yet they do nothing!” he declared, his voice trembling with emotion. Oche also pointed to the deplorable condition of the Owukpa–Orokam road, describing it as a “haven for criminals.” The road, riddled with potholes and overgrown with bushes, has long been a sore point for residents, who argue that its state of disrepair makes it an easy target for ambushes. “This road is a death trap. It’s why these criminals can operate so freely. We are tired of waiting for the government to act,” Oche added.
The Owukpa–Orokam road, a critical artery for traders and commuters in the region, has become synonymous with danger in recent years. Residents recount a string of abductions, robberies, and attacks along the route, with little visible effort from authorities to address the issue. The Saturday kidnapping was the latest in a series of incidents that have left the community living in fear. For the traders, who rely on cross-border commerce with Enugu State to sustain their livelihoods, the road is both a lifeline and a constant threat. Many of the abducted women are breadwinners for their families, making their captivity a devastating blow to the local economy and community morale.
In a remarkable display of resolve, the protesting youths vowed to take matters into their own hands if the government fails to act. “We are ready to repair this road ourselves,” Oche announced, drawing cheers from the crowd. “If the government cannot protect us or fix our roads, we will do it. But we demand the release of our people first!” The call for community-driven action reflects the deep sense of abandonment felt by residents, who say they have been left to fend for themselves in the face of rising insecurity.
The abduction and subsequent protest have also reignited debates about the broader security challenges in Benue State, often referred to as Nigeria’s “food basket.” The state has been a hotspot for clashes between farmers and herders, as well as rampant kidnappings and banditry. Residents of Owukpa, a predominantly agrarian community, say the lack of adequate security presence and infrastructure development has made them vulnerable to such attacks. “We are farmers, traders, and ordinary people trying to survive. Why are we being targeted like this?” asked Mercy Adanu, a local trader who narrowly escaped the Saturday ambush.
As news of the protest spread, reactions poured in from across Benue State and beyond. On social media platforms like X, users expressed solidarity with the Owukpa youths, with hashtags like #JusticeForOwukpa and #SecureBenue trending locally. “The government must act now. These kidnappings are tearing our communities apart,” one user posted. Others called for increased security patrols and road repairs, emphasizing that infrastructure neglect is a key enabler of crime in rural areas.
Local authorities have yet to issue an official response to the protest or the abduction, but sources indicate that security operatives have been deployed to the area to track the kidnappers. However, residents remain skeptical, citing past instances where promises of action yielded little result. The Benue State Police Command could not be reached for comment at the time of this report.
For now, the people of Owukpa wait anxiously for news of their loved ones, their hope tempered by frustration and fear. The protest has sent a clear message: the community will no longer remain silent in the face of injustice. As the youths of Owukpa stand united, their actions serve as a powerful reminder of the resilience and determination of ordinary Nigerians in the fight for safety and dignity.
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