June 3, 2025 | Enugu, Nigeria— Fear and uncertainty have taken over Obioma community in Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State after eight travellers were kidnapped by unknown gunmen along the Udi-Oji River road on Sunday.
As of Tuesday morning, the victims’ whereabouts remain unknown.
Local sources told Reporters that the incident came to light late Sunday evening when the vehicles belonging to the victims were discovered abandoned with engines running, doors open, and no sign of the occupants. Among the vehicles found were a Toyota Sienna (Abuja RBC-96 HS) and a Mercedes Jeep (Abuja RSH 40 BL).
A video recorded by a local vigilante group was circulated online with a message urging anyone who could identify the owners to contact their families immediately.
Residents of the community expressed frustration and fear over the rise in insecurity, stating that they no longer feel safe travelling or even farming in the area. One local said, “Government appears overwhelmed and silent. People are dying daily in the farms and being kidnapped without any real action.”
This kidnapping comes barely two weeks after the Enugu State Police Command rescued 21 kidnap victims across different areas of the state. Police Commissioner Mamman Bitrus Giwa had confirmed that the operation was successful and one suspect was killed during a gun battle on May 23.
Despite these efforts, there has been no official statement from the police concerning the latest incident in Obioma. Attempts by Reporters to contact police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe were unsuccessful, as he did not answer calls or respond to text messages.
Residents continue to urge the government and security agencies to take urgent and visible steps to restore peace in the area and ensure the safe return of the abducted travellers.
