Kidnappers Abduct Sympathizers Accompanying Body Of Late FRSC Commander For Burial In Benue State

By Akinwale Kasali

Suspected kidnappers have, allegedly, abducted several mourners accompanying the remains of the late Deputy Corps Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, Augustine O. Ikwue.

The body of the late Ikwue, popular as Etume Zero, was being transported to his hometown in Otukpo, Benue State, when kidnappers ambushed the mourners,  and abducted many of them.

The victims were travelling in a funeral convoy conveying the remains of the late FRSC officer for burial in Ai-Ode, Upu community, Otukpo Local Government Area, when gunmen ambushed them along the Ososo–Ajaokuta axis of Kogi State.

The attackers intercepted the convoy, abducted several mourners and  made away with the corpse of the deceased officer but abandoned it later.

Making this disclosure was a Citizen journalist and activist, Meddy Olotu. He said the kidnappers later abandoned the corpse around Ejule in Kogi State, where it was subsequently recovered.

According to him, the abductors are demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for the release of the victims.

He described the incident as tragic and disturbing, lamenting the worsening state of insecurity in the country.

“What kind of country are we living in? Even the dead cannot rest in peace,” he said.

The deceased was an FRSC Deputy Corps Commander, whose remains was scheduled to be laid to rest on Friday in Ai-Ode, Upu community, Otukpo LGA of Benue State, before the funeral procession was violently disrupted by the suspected kidnappers.