Driver Killed in Crossfire as Troops Repel Kidnapping Attempt on Makurdi–Kura Road

Troops successfully repelled an attempted kidnapping along the Makurdi–Kura road on Wednesday evening, but tragically, a driver lost his life during the ensuing gunfight

The incident occurred at around 6:30 p.m. when a group of engineers traveling from Kura to Makurdi encountered armed men who had blocked the road, intending to abduct passengers in a bus ahead of them. Soldiers on routine patrol were trailing the engineers’ vehicle and immediately engaged the attackers in a gun duel, forcing them to flee into the bush During the exchange of fire, the driver of the engineers’ vehicle, Ochoche Otokolo Ekwu, was struck by a stray bullet and died instantly A local source confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer of 'D' Division quickly mobilized a patrol team alongside tactical units to the scene. The corpse was evacuated and deposited at a mortuary in Makurdi. Security operatives are reportedly combing nearby bushes to track the fleeing suspects and prevent further attacks along the route This latest attack is part of a growing pattern of kidnappings and violent incidents along major roads in Benue State. Earlier this year, several travellers were abducted on highways connecting Makurdi to neighboring towns, prompting heightened security patrols and military operations. While the intervention by troops prevented the full execution of the kidnapping, the incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by commuters in the region Authorities have urged residents and travellers to remain vigilant, travel in convoys where possible, and report any suspicious activities to security agencies.