Two officers of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have been kidnapped in Benue State, with their captors demanding a total ransom of N20 million for their release.
The victims, Officer Oliver Orasuur and Officer David Shiaondo Iorwuese, were abducted along the Katsina-Ala–Ukum Road a few days ago. According to family members, the kidnappers have contacted them and are insisting on N10 million for each officer before they can be freed.
The Nigeria Immigration Service has described the situation as a “critical moment for the Service.” In a statement released on Tuesday, the agency called for urgent action from the government, security forces, and the general public to help rescue the officers safely.
“We are deeply concerned about the safety of our colleagues,” the statement read. “We urge all relevant stakeholders to support efforts towards their immediate release. This is not just a NIS matter, but a national security concern.”
This latest incident is part of a troubling trend of insecurity in Benue State and the North Central region. Just four months ago, in May, another NIS officer, Simon Agbo, was kidnapped from his home in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. According to a relative, the attackers stormed his residence at night, fired shots into the air, and took him away without resistance.
While Agbo was later released after days in captivity, it is unclear whether a ransom was paid in that case. The rise in kidnappings targeting security personnel has raised serious questions about the safety of both officers and civilians in the region.
The Katsina-Ala–Ukum axis, where the latest kidnapping occurred, has been known as a hotspot for banditry, communal clashes, and kidnappings in recent years. Despite repeated operations by security agencies, armed groups continue to operate freely in some rural parts of the area.
Local residents say the presence of security forces is often limited, allowing criminals to carry out attacks and disappear into the surrounding bushes.
Family members of the abducted officers are appealing for help from the authorities and the public. “We are worried sick. We don’t have that kind of money,” said a relative of one of the victims, who asked not to be named for safety reasons.
As of the time of this report, no arrests have been made, and the whereabouts of the two officers remain unknown.
