“Take Me Instead!” – Mother Begs Armed Men to Spare Her Son in Orokam Kidnapping Attack

The Orokam community in Ogbadigbo LGA, Benue State, has been thrown into fear after yet another violent kidnapping attempt rocked the town—this time involving a mother’s desperate plea to save her child.

According to Vanguard News (Friday, August 15, 2025), armed men invaded the home of Madam Shaibu around 11:30 pm, targeting her son, Gabriel, who had just arrived from Abuja to visit her.

“Don’t Kill Him—Take Me Instead!”

A resident who witnessed the horrifying scene said:

“We heard Madam Shaibu crying and begging the armed men not to kidnap or kill her son. She asked that they take her away in place of her children.”

Gabriel had reportedly returned home to bring his mother to the village because his wife was expecting a baby. But that joyful reason for travel turned into a night of terror when gunmen stormed the compound.

A Community Under Siege

Orokam has been battling a surge in kidnapping and violent crime, prompting protests by local youths demanding better security. Residents fear that the attackers are exploiting poor night patrols and weak enforcement to carry out raids with little resistance.

While Gabriel managed to escape serious harm, locals say the trauma of that night will haunt the family for years.