From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
Residents of Tyomu, a suburb of Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State, on Tuesday blocked a federal highway to protest the abduction of members of their community.
The protest followed the reported kidnapping of some residents along the Adoka-Ankpa Road at the weekend.
A community source said three persons were abducted on Saturday while travelling to Kogi State to attend a burial ceremony.
The protesters, mostly women, marched onto the highway carrying placards and calling on the government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the release of the victims.
The demonstration temporarily disrupted traffic on the busy road before government officials intervened.
The Special Adviser on External Security, Col. Alex Ashungu, and the Chairman of Makurdi Local Government Area, Joseph Lafia, appealed to the protesters to clear the highway and allow the free flow of traffic.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondongu Orchia, said the command was aware of the abduction but could not immediately confirm the number of victims.
Orchia assured residents that the police would intensify efforts to rescue the abducted persons.
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