Tragedy in Makurdi: Gunmen Abduct Nigeria Immigration Officer, Demand N20 Million Ransom

 

A terrifying incident occurred on the night of Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, when armed gunmen suspected to be kidnappers stormed a quiet residential area and abducted Simon Agbo, an officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) attached to the Benue State Command.

According to eyewitnesses and family members, the kidnappers invaded Simon Agbo’s residence located opposite NKST Church, Kuan, behind the Modern Market area of Makurdi, while he was spending time with his neighbours. The peaceful evening was shattered by the sudden sound of gunfire as the gunmen fired several rounds into the air, causing chaos and panic.

A close relative of the victim, who spoke to journalists the following day, Monday, May 12, recounted the harrowing moment when the gunmen struck.

“The kidnappers abducted the immigration officer immediately they forced their way into the compound where he was with his kinsmen after shooting sporadically to scare away the people,” he said.

The attackers did not hesitate or waste time. Once they had gained access to the compound, they headed straight for Agbo, brandishing their weapons, and forcefully took him away to an unknown destination. His family and neighbours were left in shock, helpless and terrified.

It was later revealed that Simon Agbo had only recently returned to Benue State. He had previously been posted in Kwara State and was transferred to the Benue State Command of the Nigeria Immigration Service in February 2025.

Following the abduction, youths from the community, along with members of the local vigilante group, immediately sprang into action. They conducted a search operation throughout the night, combing the area in hopes of catching the criminals or at least tracking their movements. Unfortunately, the kidnappers managed to escape without a trace.

As investigations began, suspicion quickly fell on one of Agbo’s neighbours. According to a younger brother of the victim, who simply identified himself as Mr. Agbo, the neighbour in question had behaved in a suspicious manner shortly before the abduction.

“The neighbour was consistently calling on the victim to come home or he should direct him to his location as of that time, that they needed to see him that fateful Sunday night by all means,” Agbo said.

He explained that after receiving multiple calls and persistent messages, Simon eventually agreed to return home. Upon arrival, he reportedly went straight to the compound of the neighbour who had been calling him. While they were there talking, another neighbour came over to join them.

It was during this gathering that the gunmen arrived — as though they had been tipped off. According to Mr. Agbo:

“While they were at the compound discussing, another of their neighbours came to join them and all of a sudden, the gunmen arrived at the compound. Immediately, they went straight to the immigration officer, and picked only him at gunpoint, leaving the remaining two people behind.”

This selective abduction raised eyebrows. The fact that the gunmen ignored the other two men and went straight for the immigration officer made the situation even more suspicious. As a result, the family pushed for the arrest of the neighbour who had insisted Simon return home that night.

“The neighbour’s action looks very suspicious and that is why we called for his arrest. He has been arrested and is currently in police custody until our brother is released,” he added.

Meanwhile, the kidnappers have contacted the family and have begun negotiations. The ransom demand is a hefty one — N20 million.

“As I speak with you, the kidnappers have opened discussions with the family. They are demanding N20m ransom for his release as of today,” Mr. Agbo confirmed.

This incident has thrown the local community into fear and anxiety, highlighting the growing insecurity in parts of Benue State and across Nigeria. Families, friends, and colleagues of Simon Agbo are praying for his safe return, while the police and security agencies continue investigations into his abduction.

NaijaRush will continue to monitor this story closely and provide updates as more details emerge.