Driver killed as troops foil bandits’ kidnapping attempt on Makurdi–Kura highway

Driver killed as troops foil bandits’ kidnapping attempt on Makurdi–Kura highway

A routine military patrol turned deadly on Wednesday evening when troops engaged bandits in a fierce gunfight along the Makurdi–Kura road in Benue State, resulting in the death of a driver caught in the crossfire.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama reported that soldiers intercepted an attempted kidnapping after encountering armed men who had mounted a blockade on the busy highway, allegedly preparing to abduct passengers travelling in a bus ahead.

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The confrontation occurred at about 6:30 p.m. when a team of engineers heading from Kura to Makurdi ran into the ambush. According to eyewitnesses, troops on routine patrol were driving directly behind the engineers’ vehicle and immediately engaged the attackers, forcing the criminals to flee into the surrounding bush.

Tragically, the driver of the engineers’ vehicle, Ochoche Otokolo Ekwu, was struck by a stray bullet during the exchange and died on the spot.

A security source said the Divisional Police Officer of the ‘D’ Division swiftly deployed a patrol squad and tactical units to the scene. The victim’s body was later evacuated to a mortuary in Makurdi.

Security personnel have since launched a coordinated sweep of the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further highway attacks along the troubled route.

Driver killed as troops foil bandits’ kidnapping attempt on Makurdi–Kura highway