18/02/2026
OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE RELEASE OF ABDUCTED IGEDE CITIZENS
The Igede Youth Council (IYC) officially announces the release of our brothers and sisters who were abducted on February 9th, 2026, along the Utonkon-Okpoga road. We thank the Almighty for their safe return to their families.
On the Terms of Release:
We must state for the record that this freedom came at a significant cost. The families of the victims painstakingly contributed #500,000, which was augmented by a #500,000 contribution from the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), totaling One Million Naira ( #1,000,000) paid to the captors. While we celebrate their life, we remain saddened that ordinary citizens must pay for the security that should be guaranteed by the state.
The IYC extends its deepest gratitude to the leadership and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). Your proactive leadership, financial support, and tireless coordination were instrumental in navigating this crisis. You have shown that when the system fails the common man, the spirit of "All For One, One For All" remains our strongest shield.
A Final Warning to Authorities:
While we celebrate this homecoming, the IYC remains on high alert. The Utonkon-Okpoga road cannot continue to be a "pay-to-pass" zone for kidnappers.
• We demand that the Benue State Government refund these families who have suffered both trauma and financial loss.
• We demand an immediate, visible military and police presence on that route to ensure no other family has to go through this nightmare.
We stand with the families during their period of recovery and psychological healing.
All For One, One For All.
Signed:
Jairus Awo Otakom
National Publicity Secretary I, Igede Youth Council (IYC)
[email protected]
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Benue State Government
Nigeria Police Force
Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps
Johnfrank Ozzidi
Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia
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