Tragedy struck on January 9, 2025, as armed gunmen unleashed terror on passengers traveling along the Enugu-Nsukka Road, abducting at least 35 individuals, including National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. This brazen attack, which took place in the Enugu-Ezike area of Igbo Eze North Local Government, has left families reeling and security agencies scrambling for answers.
The victims were traveling in three separate 18-seater buses when the assailants, suspected to be herders, ambushed them. Among the abducted were four Nigerian Army personnel, although one managed a daring escape.
Eyewitness Account and Initial Escape
A source close to the incident revealed the harrowing details. “The kidnappers stopped the buses at gunpoint and forcefully took everyone into the surrounding bush,” the source recounted. One of the soldiers, Private Usendu Emediong, reportedly escaped and narrated the ordeal to authorities.
According to the eyewitness, a local hunter discovered a grim scene during a patrol. “They encountered the kidnappers and heard a victim begging to rest due to exhaustion,” the source said. “He was shot dead for slowing them down. His body was later recovered and taken to the morgue.”
NYSC Members Among Victims
Amid the chaos, it emerged that some NYSC members were among those kidnapped. One of them, identified as Abasifreke Victor Joseph, was en route to her deployment in Kogi State. The kidnappers contacted her family, demanding a ransom of N20 million.
“She left Akwa Ibom for Kogi through Enugu because there were no direct buses,” a family member explained. “Her sister was in constant communication with her until her phone stopped connecting.”
The family received a chilling call from the kidnappers the following day. “They threatened to kill her if we don’t pay N20 million,” a relative disclosed.
Military Response and Intensified Rescue Efforts
The attack, described as an embarrassment to the Nigerian military, has prompted a significant security response. Soldiers, police, and other security personnel have launched joint rescue operations, including the deployment of helicopters.
“We have intensified efforts since the incident was reported,” a security official confirmed. “Our forces are combing the area with every resource available.”
Despite these efforts, only two victims have been released after their families paid undisclosed ransoms. The remaining hostages, including the soldiers and corps members, remain in captivity.
A Growing Security Crisis
This incident is part of a troubling pattern of insecurity in Nigeria, where kidnappings for ransom have become alarmingly common. Analysts attribute this rise to socioeconomic challenges and inadequate security measures.
The Enugu-Nsukka Road, a major transit route, has become notorious for similar attacks, prompting calls for improved security infrastructure.
For families of the victims, the ordeal is a financial and emotional nightmare. The demand for millions of naira places an unbearable burden on families already struggling in a challenging economy.
The attack has sparked outrage, with advocacy groups urging swift action to rescue the hostages and address the security challenges in Nigeria’s transportation sector.
Meanwhile, the NYSC management has called on the government to ensure the safe release of its members. “We are deeply concerned about the safety of our corps members,” an NYSC official stated. “Their protection must be a priority.”
