Families cry out over abduction of businesswoman, nine others on Benue–Taraba border

By Johnson Arua

There is growing tension along the Benue–Taraba border following the abduction of a businesswoman and about nine other passengers by suspected armed men along the Takum–Tor Donga–Katsina Road in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

The victims were reportedly travelling from Takum in Taraba State to the popular Tor-Donga Market in Katsina-Ala, a major commercial hub known for grain trading and other agricultural produce, when they were intercepted.

The incident occurred on Monday, February 9, 2026, at about 10 a.m. at a settlement identified as Tse-De in Katsina-Ala LGA.

Family sources disclosed that the travellers were forcefully taken away by suspected kidnappers to an unknown destination.

A relative of the abducted businesswoman, who spoke on condition of anonymity, identified her as a grain dealer and described the development as deeply traumatic for the family.

“My aunt, who is a businesswoman dealing in grains, was kidnapped along with about 10 other passengers,” he said.

He explained that the victims were heading to Tor-Donga Market when the attackers struck. “They were travelling from Takum, Taraba State, to Tor-Donga Market in Katsina-Ala when the incident happened around 10 a.m. at Tse-De,” he added.

The relative lamented that one week after the abduction, there had been no contact from the kidnappers, heightening fears about the safety and condition of the victims.

“Since the incident occurred, no contact has been made by the suspected kidnappers, and today makes it one week,” he said.

He noted that the prolonged silence had left family members in anguish and uncertainty, as they anxiously await any information that could lead to the safe return of their loved ones.

The family also raised concerns over recurring security challenges along the Takum–Tor Donga–Katsina Road and urged security agencies to intensify patrols to restore confidence among traders and commuters who ply the route daily.

They stressed that Tor-Donga Market serves as a key trading centre for agricultural commodities, attracting traders from neighbouring states, warning that frequent attacks along the corridor could undermine economic activities and livelihoods in the area.

The family appealed to the government and security agencies to act swiftly to secure the victims’ release and improve safety along the highway.

As of press time, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, had yet to respond to enquiries regarding the incident.