A kidnap survivor, Mr. Akubobi Fabian, has alleged that armed herders operating in Benue State have established a criminal hideout they call “Sambisa Forest” in Otukpo Local Government Area, where abducted victims are allegedly held while ransom negotiations are conducted.
Fabian made the claim after regaining his freedom following six days in captivity after he was abducted along the Ojano Road corridor in Otukpo.
Recounting his ordeal, he said he was returning home after purchasing goods when gunmen attacked the vehicle he was travelling in around 9 p.m. near Ochobo Bridge. According to him, the attackers opened fire on the vehicle, punctured one of its tyres and forced passengers into the bush.
“We initially thought they were ordinary armed robbers who wanted to collect money, but they marched us deep into the forest,” he said.
Fabian explained that the victims trekked throughout the night before arriving at the kidnappers’ camp, where they were held under harsh conditions for six days.
He alleged that the abductors demanded N10 million for his release, while some other captives were asked to pay as much as 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 said.
The survivor further claimed that the kidnappers repeatedly referred to their hideout as “Sambisa Forest,” a name associated with the notorious insurgent stronghold in northeastern Nigeria.
“The kidnappers told us they call the place Sambisa Forest. That is what they called the forest where they kept us,” Fabian stated.
He also alleged that the camp is located behind the Idoma Doctors Association building in Otukpo and claimed that the abductors openly identified themselves as Fulani herders operating within the area.
The allegations were echoed by citizen journalist Meddy Olotu, who interviewed Fabian after his release. Olotu alleged that the location identified by the victim has repeatedly served as a ransom collection point in several kidnapping cases along the Ojano Road axis and surrounding communities.
According to him, multiple victims, including students and travellers abducted in previous incidents, reportedly had ransom payments delivered at the same location.
Expressing concern, Olotu said kidnappers allegedly continue to negotiate and receive ransom payments in the area without disruption, despite repeated reports of criminal activities.
He also referenced a recent attack in Ojano in which a man was reportedly shot by gunmen. The victim was rushed to hospital but later died from his injuries.
Fabian disclosed that he and other victims reported the incident to the police after regaining their freedom. He also confirmed that one person was killed during the attack that led to his abduction.
The allegations have renewed concerns over rising insecurity along the Otukpo-Ojano corridor and other parts of Benue South, where residents have repeatedly raised alarm over increasing cases of kidnapping and violent attacks.
As of the time of filing this report, security agencies had not issued any official response to the claims regarding the alleged existence of the hideout.
