The recent abduction has instilled fear among local residents, especially as a military helicopter has been spotted circling the area in search of the hostages.
There are growing concerns that both the kidnappers and their captives may have fled the vicinity.
A military communication obtained by SaharaReporters confirmed the occurrence, with a message from Major AE Edet indicating that investigations are ongoing and calling for immediate efforts to rescue the victims. The Enugu-Ezike community in the Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State is currently on edge following the kidnapping of more than 35 passengers by suspected herdsmen along the Enugu-Nsukka highway.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, January 9, 2025, involved the hijacking of three commercial buses.
Among those taken were four members of the Nigerian Army, one of whom, PTE Usendu Emediong, managed to escape. The remaining three—PTE Usoro Ezekiel Paul, Jeremiah Inimbom Thomas, and PTE Victor Itiat Godwin—are still being held captive.
Witnesses reported that the 17 kidnappers blocked the road for an hour, forcing all passengers into the nearby bush.
One local resident recounted: “Not far from my home in Enugu-Ezike, a group of 17 Fulani herdsmen ambushed three 18-seater buses, kidnapping at least 35 passengers.
“The victims were led into the bush, with one soldier managing to escape and share his experience. The soldiers were en route from Akwa Ibom to Kaduna in one of the commercial vehicles.”
Local hunters have reported that one of the abducted individuals was killed after he became too exhausted to continue during the forced march. His body was subsequently recovered and taken to the morgue by military personne
Comments
Post a Comment