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See the Numbers of Soldiers and Passengers Gunmen Kidnapped on Enugu-Nsukka Road

Published by Tope Fakinlede on January 12th, 2025.

See the Numbers of Soldiers and Passengers Gunmen Kidnapped on Enugu-Nsukka Road

Tension has risen in Enugu-Ezike, located in the Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State, following the kidnapping of over 35 passengers by suspected herdsmen. The incident occurred on Thursday, January 9, 2025, along the Enugu-Nsukka Road.

Three buses were targeted in the attack, and initially, four soldiers were seized, though one, Private Usendu Emediong (24NA/87/7560), managed to escape. Unfortunately, three other soldiers—Private Usoro Ezekiel Paul (24NA/87/6751), Jeremiah Inimbom Thomas (24NA/87/7937), and Private Victor Itiat Godwin (24NA/87/8348)—were taken along with the civilians.

An eyewitness recounted that the kidnappers, believed to be part of a 17-member gang, held the passengers for about an hour before forcing them into the forest. “Not far from where I’m staying in Enugu-Ezike, a group of 17 Fulani herdsmen hijacked three 18-seater buses and abducted at least 35 people. As they were moving the victims into the bush, one of them managed to escape,” the witness shared.

According to the eyewitness, the soldier who escaped revealed that he and his fellow soldiers were traveling from Akwa Ibom to Kaduna in one of the commercial vehicles. Local hunters from the area later encountered the kidnappers, but had to hide. They overheard a victim complain of exhaustion, only for him to be shot dead. Hours later, both the hunters and military personnel discovered the body, which was subsequently taken to the morgue.

In the morning, a helicopter was spotted flying over the town, raising concerns among the villagers. However, no formal rescue operation had been launched at that time, leading some to believe that both the kidnappers and their captives had already moved deeper into the bush.

A military signal obtained by SaharaReporters confirmed the abduction of the soldiers. According to the signal, the kidnapped personnel, part of the 87 Regular Recruits Intake (87RRI), were taken while traveling along the Enugu-Nsukka Road. The report detailed the names and phone numbers of the soldiers, as well as the ongoing investigation into the incident.