The Uzo-Uwani kidnapping attacks in Enugu State have sparked outrage after gunmen killed one man and abducted ten others in two separate incidents. The attacks occurred between Tuesday and Wednesday in Umulokpa and Adaba communities within Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, a region already plagued by insecurity.
How the Uzo-Uwani Kidnapping Attacks Began
The first of the Uzo-Uwani kidnapping attacks took place on Tuesday, near the outskirts of Umulokpa Community. Armed men, believed to be herders, kidnapped Vincent Nweke, a chainsaw operator, and Linus Ezeh, the President-General of the community.
Mr. Ezeh recounted that the gunmen ambushed him on his rice farm, tied him to a tree, and later captured Mr. Nweke when they heard his chainsaw in a nearby bush. After binding both men, they dragged them deeper into the forest.
By 7 p.m., the kidnappers tied them to separate trees. Five left to harvest yams while one remained on guard. Mr. Nweke eventually broke free and attempted to escape, but the kidnappers shot him dead.
Ransom Demand and Release
On Wednesday, the gunmen forced Mr. Ezeh to contact his relatives for ransom. They initially demanded ₦30 million, later accepting ₦2.5 million, which his brother delivered in Ukpata Community. Before releasing Mr. Ezeh, they forced his brother to buy cigarettes and smoke one as a precaution.
Second Uzo-Uwani Kidnapping Attack in Adaba
Just hours later, on Wednesday evening, gunmen launched a second Uzo-Uwani kidnapping attack. They ambushed a vehicle transporting nine people from Eke Akiyi in Umulokpa to Iwollo in Ezeagu LGA. The attack happened at Adaba Community, near the boundary between Amagu (Umulokpa) and Olo (Ezeagu).
The abducted included six women, one man, and two teenage boys. They were identified as Christiana Chukwuemeka, Sabina Okeke, Okorie Chukwuemeka, Albert Ugochukwu, Eberechukwu Okoye, Nkem Collins, Nwankwo Charity, Eze Augustina, and Chijioke Ezieke.
Brave Rescue by Adaba Youths
On Thursday, local youths from Adaba, led by President-General Fabian Amalunwaeze, mounted a bold rescue. They tracked the kidnappers into the forest and confronted them. The attackers opened fire but fled when the bullets failed to injure anyone. The youths successfully rescued all nine victims.
Victim Recounts Her Ordeal
Sabina Okeke, one of the rescued, said they were returning from Umulokpa Market when gunmen fired at their vehicle and forced them into the forest. The attackers robbed them, demanded ₦30 million each, and used their phones to contact relatives.
“They slapped me when I told them we had never seen ₦30 million before,” she said. “Later that night, the Adaba boys arrived, and the kidnappers ran.”
Growing Concerns Over Security in Uzo-Uwani
Residents confirmed that the Uzo-Uwani kidnapping attacks are not isolated. Attacks linked to suspected herders have become frequent in recent months. Locals now demand increased patrols, better intelligence, and community defense efforts.
Despite the severity of these incidents, the Enugu State Police remained silent. Police spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe declined to comment and told reporters to await an official release.
