Tension has gripped the family of Abubakar Sadiq Yaji following his abduction by gunmen along the Gboko–Zaki Biam–Wukari road, with his captors now demanding a ransom of N50 million for his release.
Yaji, who was travelling from Ankpa in Kogi State in a commercial vehicle, was reportedly abducted alongside 17 other passengers when their vehicle ran into an armed roadblock mounted by suspected kidnappers at Jorta—a volatile stretch on the Benue-Taraba border.
His distraught daughter, Maryam Abubakar Sadiq, told Daily Trust in a phone interview that the kidnappers used her father’s phone to contact the family, making chilling demands while physically assaulting him during the call.
“Our father was crying and pleading for help as the kidnappers beat him while we were on the phone with them,” Maryam recounted tearfully. “They are demanding N50 million or they will kill him. We are helpless and scared for his life.”
According to her, all 18 passengers in the vehicle were forcibly taken to an undisclosed location. The abductors have not released any of the victims.
Sources in the area say the Wukari–Zaki Biam route has become a notorious hotbed for kidnappings and militia activities.
Motorists now avoid the road entirely, citing frequent abductions and vehicle hijackings by armed gangs.
Adamu Salihu, a resident of Wukari, described the stretch as a “death trap,” revealing that dozens of travelers had been kidnapped in recent days.
“The criminals now operate openly. They stop vehicles, abduct passengers, and vanish into the bush with their victims. It’s terrifying,” Salihu lamented.
The family of the kidnapped victim is now appealing to security agencies and the federal government to intervene swiftly and secure the safe release of their father and others held in captivity.
As of press time, there was no official response from the police or military authorities regarding the incident.
'
'
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
