A man who survived a kidnapping in Benue State has disclosed that armed herdsmen have transformed a forest in Otukpo Local Government Area into a criminal stronghold they call ‘Little Sambisa,’ where hostages are kept while ransoms are negotiated.
The survivor, Akubobi Fabian, made this known after he was set free following six days in captivity. He had been seized along the Ojano Road corridor near Ochobo Bridge.
Fabian recounted that he was heading home after purchasing supplies when assailants ambushed his vehicle around 9 p.m. They shot at the car, blew out a tire, and forced everyone into the bush.
“At first, we believed they were just robbers after our money, but they led us deep into the forest,” he said.
The captives walked throughout the night until they reached the kidnappers’ camp, where conditions were harsh during the entire six-day ordeal. Fabian stated that the abductors demanded N10 million for his release, while some other victims were told to pay up to N20 million.
“They asked for N10 million from me. Others were charged N20 million. My brother managed to gather N1 million, and after six days, they let me go,” he explained.
The kidnappers repeatedly referred to their camp as “Sambisa Forest,” a name famously linked to the Boko Haram hideout in northeastern Nigeria. Fabian added that the camp is located behind the Idoma Doctors Association building in Otukpo, and the abductors openly identified themselves as Fulani herdsmen.
Citizen journalist Meddy Olotu, who interviewed Fabian after his freedom, corroborated the story. Olotu noted that the same location has been used multiple times as a collection point for ransom payments related to kidnappings on the Ojano Road axis and surrounding areas.
“Several previous cases, involving students and travelers, had ransoms delivered at that very spot behind the Idoma Doctors Association building,” Olotu said.
He expressed concern that criminal activities persist in the area, with kidnappers conducting negotiations and collecting payments without any interference. Olotu also recalled an incident where a man was shot in Ojano, later died in hospital, and his body was placed in a morgue.
Fabian confirmed that one person lost their life during the attack that led to his abduction, as the gunmen opened fire near a checkpoint before forcing the group into the forest. He and other survivors reported the incident to the police upon their release.
The revelations have intensified worries about security in Benue South, especially along the Otukpo-Ojano route, where residents have frequently voiced concerns about rising kidnapping and violent attacks. As of now, security authorities have not formally responded to the allegations regarding the existence of the hideout.