Victims of a recent kidnapping along the Makurdi-Naka-Ankpa federal highway have shared their harrowing experiences, calling on the government to urgently address the deplorable road conditions and enhance security measures to curb criminal activities.
On November 19, 2024, Pastor Williams Agene, General Overseer of Love of God Evangelical Mission, and his driver, Yusuf Rashidi, were abducted by young men aged between 20 and 25 while traveling along the highway. They were held captive for seven days before being released upon payment of a ransom—two million naira for the pastor and five hundred thousand naira for the driver.
Pastor Agene recounted the traumatic ordeal:
"It was a torturous experience. We were treated like animals, kept in the bush with no food or water. We feared for our lives every second, but we thank God for our eventual release. The kidnappers were ready to kill us, but we prayed for deliverance."
Yusuf Rashidi, the bus driver, also shared his distressing experience:
"We were kept in a cramped space with no regard for our well-being. They threatened to kill us multiple times, and we thought we wouldn’t make it out alive. The constant fear was the hardest part."
The victims expressed deep concern over the state of the Makurdi-Naka-Ankpa federal highway, which has become notorious for criminal activities. They emphasized that the poor road conditions contribute significantly to the prevalence of kidnappings and other crimes.
"These bad roads are a breeding ground for kidnappers and other criminals. The government needs to fix the roads to prevent these attacks and save innocent lives," Pastor Agene urged.
In addition to road improvements, the victims called on the Nigerian government to invest in technical colleges and skill acquisition programs to empower the youth, reduce unemployment, and promote self-reliance.
"If our youths have better opportunities and skills, they won’t resort to criminal activities," Pastor Agene added.
Nurudeen Rashidi, the son of the freed driver, also joined in the call for government intervention:
"This is a wake-up call for the authorities to act quickly before more innocent lives are lost."
The Makurdi-Naka-Ankpa federal highway has witnessed persistent incidents of kidnappings, killings, and attacks on motorists and commuters, causing many to avoid the route in favor of longer, alternative paths. The victims’ ordeal highlights the growing insecurity along the highway and the urgent need for government action to address the road’s deplorable condition and improve security for travelers.
