Driver dies as soldiers repel kidnappers on Makurdi–Kura highway

A driver has been killed after soldiers repelled an attempted kidnap along the Makurdi–Kura highway in Benue State.

The incident was shared on X on Thursday by security analyst Zagazola Makama.

According to Makama, the attack happened around 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday when armed men blocked the road and tried to abduct passengers in a bus traveling ahead of a group of engineers driving from Kura to Makurdi.

Soldiers on routine patrol were behind the engineers’ vehicle and quickly engaged the attackers, forcing the suspected bandits to scatter into the bush.

“During the gunfire exchange, the engineers’ driver, identified as Ochoche Otokolo Ekwu, was struck by a stray bullet and died instantly,” Makama wrote

Security personnel, including the Divisional Police Officer of ‘D’ Division and tactical teams, later arrived at the scene.

The victim’s body was evacuated and taken to a mortuary in Makurdi.

Makama added that security operatives are combing surrounding bushes to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks along the route.