By Karen James
Tensions have escalated in the Enugu-Ezike area of Igbo Eze North Local Government, Enugu State, following the abduction of over 35 passengers, including three Nigerian soldiers, by gunmen along the Enugu-Nsukka Road on Thursday, January 9, 2025. The brazen attack targeted three commercial buses traveling on the dilapidated road, with passengers forcefully herded into the forest.
According to reports, the attackers, numbering 17 and heavily armed, intercepted the buses, taking both civilians and soldiers captive. Among the abducted soldiers are Private Usoro Ezekiel Paul (24NA/87/6751), Private Jeremiah Inimbom Thomas (24NA/87/7937), and Private Victor Itiat Godwin (24NA/87/8348). One soldier, Private Usendu Emediong (24NA/87/7560), managed to escape and raised the alarm about the incident.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the gunmen operated unchallenged for approximately an hour, forcing the captives to march deep into the forest. Tragically, one victim, who became exhausted and could not keep up, was reportedly shot dead by the kidnappers. Local hunters later recovered the victim’s body and transported it to the morgue.
A military signal, issued by Major AE Edet, confirmed the abduction, stating that the soldiers were traveling from Akwa Ibom to Kaduna in a commercial vehicle when they were caught up in the attack. The message further noted that preliminary investigations were underway.
Fear has gripped residents of the area as military operatives and local hunters launch a massive search operation for the abductees. On Sunday morning, a helicopter was seen hovering over the area, heightening speculation about an impending rescue mission. However, no official rescue has been confirmed, and the gunmen, along with their captives, are believed to have moved deeper into the forest.
Residents expressed frustration over the deteriorating security situation in the region, citing the poor state of the Enugu-Nsukka Road as a contributing factor. “This road has become a death trap. It’s not just kidnappings; accidents also happen here regularly because of its terrible condition,” a local resident lamented.
Calls have grown louder for both the state and federal governments to address the worsening insecurity in the area. Many have urged for immediate intervention to rescue the captives and prevent future attacks.
The abduction is the latest in a string of violent incidents that have plagued the Enugu-Nsukka axis, highlighting the urgent need for improved road infrastructure and enhanced security measures to protect travelers.
