Imo youths rescue abducted woman from captivity
Youths from Umuokanne in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State on Monday rescued a woman, Mrs Obiageli Oguguo, from kidnappers inside the nearby Oforola forest.
PUNCH Metro gathered on Tuesday that the security team of Umuokanne had received a report of the kidnap of the woman from a neighbouring community, Ilile, who was heading to the market.
In a viral video watched by our correspondent on Tuesday, the woman could be seen being ferried to safety on a motorcycle after her rescue by the youths.
In the video, the woman who appeared traumatised said, “My name is Obiageli Ogugua from Ilile. They kidnapped me by 6 o’clock this morning. They held me inside the bush. They were three Fulani people.
They (Umuokanne security youths) released me just now, March 3, 2025.”
When contacted via the telephone by PUNCH Metro, the traditional ruler of Umuokanne community, Eze Chiedoziem Nwokoma, confirmed the incident.
The monarch who doubles as the Chairman of the Security and Conflict Resolution Committee of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers confirmed that youths from his community rescued the woman unhurt from her abductors.
Nwokoma, who was full of appreciation to the Umuokanne youths, said the woman was abducted while on a motorbike heading to the early morning market on Monday.
He said, “The woman was kidnapped when she was heading to the market where she trades to support her family. It was her kidnap that triggered the youths to comb the forest especially the Oforola side where there had been repeated cases of kidnap.
“Our youths rescued her within 24 hours of her kidnap. I’m extremely proud of our youths, and their commitment to ensure Umuokanne is safe.
“She is back home to her family while our security people are working round the clock to comb the forests and rid them of criminal elements. Umuokanne is not a place for criminals or criminality. I charge such people to turn a new leaf because our community must remain safe for our people and other residents.”
He said he would not leave any stone unturned to stop kidnapping in Umuokanne and Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.
“As a former Assistant Commissioner of Police who resigned to become a traditional ruler for his people, I’m all out to ensure the safety of our people.
“People know that Umuokanne is the safest place in Imo State. See if any of our people goes into crime, the person will be exposed.
“If any Umuokanne person does kidnapping, he will not last one year before death happens. Our people know this caveat and go the extra mile to stay away from criminality. And that’s why this is the safest place in the state”, Eze Nwokoma said.
