A Sambisa Forest in Benue has been alleged to exist as a criminal hideout used by suspected armed herdsmen following a violent kidnapping incident in Otukpo Local Government Area. A freed victim of the attack claimed abductors operate from a forest base where kidnapped persons are held while ransom negotiations take place.
The claim was made by Mr. Fabian Akubobi, a mortar trader from Orlu in Imo State. He was abducted on May 22 during an attack along the Enugu Road axis in Otukpo, Benue State. The incident occurred at Ojano near a police checkpoint and reportedly led to the death of a young man.
Akubobi said he was returning home after purchasing goods in Benue when the attack happened. He explained that armed men ambushed a vehicle near Ochobo Bridge, opened fire, and forced passengers into surrounding bushes.
“We initially thought they were ordinary armed robbers who wanted to collect money, but they marched us deep into the forest,” Akubobi said.
According to him, victims were taken through difficult terrain for several hours before reaching what he described as a camp hidden within a Sambisa Forest in Benue. He said the environment served as a holding site for abducted persons during ransom negotiations.
The victim stated that he and other captives spent six days in detention under harsh conditions. He added that ransom demands varied among victims depending on perceived ability to pay.
He disclosed that he was asked to pay N10 million for his release, while others were allegedly demanded to pay up to N20 million.
“They asked me to bring N10 million. Some people were asked to pay N20 million. My brother eventually raised N1 million, and after six days they released me,” he stated. Akubobi confirmed that his family eventually raised N1 million, which secured his release after six days in captivity. He said the experience highlighted the structured nature of kidnapping operations in the region.
The alleged Sambisa Forest in Benue has raised fresh concerns about insecurity along the Otukpo axis and surrounding communities. Residents have continued to report repeated ambushes and abductions along major travel routes linking Benue to neighbouring states.
Security observers note that forested terrain across parts of Benue South has increasingly become difficult to monitor. Criminal groups are believed to exploit these areas for concealment and prolonged captivity of victims. The attack at Ojano checkpoint, which preceded the abduction, has also intensified concerns about safety along the Enugu–Otukpo corridor. Traders and transport operators have called for stronger security presence along the route.
Authorities have yet to issue an official response to the latest allegations. However, security agencies are expected to review operations in forested areas suspected of harbouring criminal networks. The incident adds to ongoing national discussions on rural insecurity, kidnapping for ransom, and the need for improved intelligence-led security operations across Nigeria’s forest zones.
