Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers abducted Simon Agbo, an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), from his residence in Makurdi, Benue State, on Sunday, May 11, 2025, around 7:15 pm. The incident occurred opposite NKST Church, Kuan, behind Modern Market, while Agbo was outside with two neighbors. According to family sources, the ers fired several gunshots into the air to scare residents before seizing Agbo at gunpoint and whisking him to an unknown location.
Agbo, who was redeployed from Kwara State to the Benue State Command in February 2025, was specifically targeted, as the gunmen left his neighbors unharmed. Suion has fallen on one neighbor who persistently urged Agbo to return home that evening, with Agbo’s younger brother noting, “He kept calling, insisting my brother come home or share his location.” This neighbor has been arrested and is in police custody pending investigation.
Despite efforts by local vigilantes and community youths to locate Agbo, the kidnappers escaped. The abductors have since contacted the family, demanding a ransom of N20 million for his release. Posts on X, including from @SaharaReporters and @MobilePunch, have amplified the incident, reflecting public concern over rising kidnappings in Benue.
Efforts to reach the Benue State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Catherine Anene, and NIS officials for comment were unsuccessful. The abduction adds to a series of insecurity incidents in Benue, including recent kidnappings of a Nigerian Army officer and university students, underscoring the state’s ongoing security challenges.
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Why do kidnappers target public officials? Is this a new trend or just a one-off incident? So concerning and alarming.
Why are ransom demands becoming so common in Nigeria? Its worrying how easily these criminals operate. Stay safe, everyone.
This is insane! Why are we still dealing with cases of abductions for ransom in this day and age? Soing needs to ce.
Why are we still seeing these horrific incidents? When will the authorities step up and put an end to this madness?
This is outrageous! How can people think its okay to kidnap someone for money? Its sickening.
Why are ransom kidnappings still happening in Nigeria? When will the government take serious action to protect its citizens?
Why should innocent civilians suffer because of the greed of these criminals? Its just not fair.
This is outrageous! The government needs to step up and protect its citizens from these criminals. We cant live in fear.