An official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Emeason Chima, has been kidnapped by gunmen in Enugu State.
The incident occurred on Saturday near Maduka University, along the Nsukka-Enugu Road.
Chima, who serves at the Ugbokolo unit (RS4.211) of the FRSC, was reportedly attacked and abducted while driving alone.
The gunmen quickly contacted the FRSC using Chima’s phone and demanded a ransom of N50 million.
A source within the FRSC confirmed the abduction, saying Chima’s car was intercepted around Opi Junction, a notorious spot for attacks in Enugu.
An internal memo from the FRSC, issued by Ugbokolo unit commander Emmanuel Al-Hassan, verified these details.
The memo confirmed that Chima was traveling alone in a Toyota saloon car when he was forcefully taken by the assailants.
The FRSC official stated in the memo, “The Command is in receipt of information about the kidnap of SRMA Emeason Chima.”
He further specified, “Location of incident: After Maduka University, along Nsukka-Enugu Road via Opi Junction, Enugu State.”
According to the FRSC memo, Chima’s phone was used by the gunmen to make their ransom demand known to the unit commander.
The kidnappers have yet to give any further instructions or negotiate terms beyond their initial demand of N50 million.
This recent abduction adds to the growing number of security incidents in the South-East region of Nigeria.
Reports of kidnappings and attacks by armed groups in the area have been escalating, targeting government officials, police, and military personnel.
In many cases, the assailants collect ransom payments and release their captives, while in others, they have been known to harm or kill their victims.
Residents in Enugu and neighboring areas are increasingly concerned over the worsening security situation.
Many are now fearful of traveling on isolated roads, especially at night, due to the risk of abductions and robberies.
The federal government has blamed the rising violence on the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), an outlawed pro-Biafra group seeking independence for the region.
The government accuses IPOB of fueling unrest, orchestrating attacks on security personnel, and promoting violence across the South-East.
However, IPOB has repeatedly denied these allegations, claiming it is not involved in criminal activities.
In a recent statement, IPOB leaders emphasized that their struggle is purely political and peaceful, aimed at self-determination for the Igbo people.
Despite these denials, many in the government remain firm in attributing the violence to IPOB supporters or groups allegedly inspired by their cause.
