Tension has escalated in the Enugu-Ezike community in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State following the abduction of over 35 passengers by suspected herdsmen on Thursday, January 9, 2025, along the Enugu-Nsukka road.
The attack saw three commercial buses hijacked by the kidnappers, who held up traffic for an hour, forcing all passengers into the bush.
Among the victims were four Nigerian Army personnel, one of whom, PTE Usendu Emediong, managed to escape. However, three other soldiers—PTE Usoro Ezekiel Paul, Jeremiah Inimbom Thomas, and PTE Victor Itiat Godwin—remain in captivity.
Eyewitnesses reported that the 17 kidnappers, believed to be Fulani herdsmen, ambushed the buses, marching the passengers into the forest.
The soldiers were reportedly traveling from Akwa Ibom to Kaduna when the attack occurred. One of the captives, believed to be fatigued, was killed during the forced march, with his body later recovered and taken to the morgue by military personnel.
The incident has caused widespread fear in the area, with a military helicopter sighted overhead in search of the victims. However, there are concerns that the kidnappers may have already moved the hostages from the region.
A military signal, sent by Major AE Edet, confirmed the abduction and stated that investigations were ongoing, with urgent measures being taken to rescue the victims.