A chilling wave of apprehension has swept through Enugu-Ezike in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State following the audacious abduction of over 35 individuals, including three Nigerian soldiers, by heavily armed gunmen suspected to be herdsmen. The brazen attack, which occurred on Thursday, January 9, 2025, along the deteriorating Enugu-Nsukka Road, has left residents in a state of fear and uncertainty.
The attackers, numbering 17, reportedly intercepted three commercial 18-seater buses, forcing their occupants into the dense bush after an hour-long operation. Among the captives were four soldiers traveling from Akwa Ibom to Kaduna State. While one of the soldiers, Private Usendu Emediong (24NA/87/7560), managed to escape and raise the alarm, his colleagues—Private Usoro Ezekiel Paul (24NA/87/6751), Private Jeremiah Inimbom Thomas (24NA/87/7937), and Private Victor Itiat Godwin (24NA/87/8348)—along with the other passengers, remain in captivity.
A local eyewitness, recounting the ordeal, described the kidnappers as a “17-member ragtag Fulani herdsmen gang” who exploited the poor condition of the road to execute their attack.
“Not far from where I’m staying in Enugu-Ezike, these kidnappers operated for about an hour on this critical road linking the eastern and northern parts of the country. They ambushed three buses, abducting at least 35 people. One soldier, who managed to escape, narrated the harrowing experience,” the witness stated.
According to him, the soldier revealed that the captors forced the victims to march deep into the bush. Tragically, one of the abductees, who complained of exhaustion, was shot dead in cold blood, further heightening the community’s fear.
Efforts to locate the kidnappers began almost immediately, with local hunters playing a pivotal role. “Yesterday, three hunters from my village encountered the kidnappers in the bush but had to hide to avoid being caught. They later informed the military about the incident. Unfortunately, they came across the lifeless body of the abductee who was killed and transferred it to the morgue,” the eyewitness added.
In a bid to intensify the rescue operation, military personnel have been combing the forest, aided by a helicopter hovering over the area. However, the attackers and their victims are believed to have moved deeper into the terrain, evading capture.
A military signal obtained by Sahara Reporters has confirmed the abduction of the soldiers. The signal revealed that the personnel involved were from the 87 Regular Recruits Intake (87RRI) and were traveling along the ill-fated Enugu-Nsukka Road when they were taken.
The brazen nature of the attack has sparked widespread concern, not just within Enugu-Ezike but across the state. The poor condition of the Enugu-Nsukka Road has been a longstanding issue, leaving commuters vulnerable to such incidents. Residents are now calling for immediate government intervention to address the security and infrastructure challenges in the region.
This abduction adds to the growing spate of insecurity across Nigeria, raising urgent questions about the safety of citizens and the need for enhanced military and security strategies to combat rising crime.
As the rescue operation continues, hopes are pinned on the swift recovery of the captives and a decisive response from authorities to prevent future incidents.
PIONEER NEWS 