Anxiety Mounts as Alleged IPOB Members Kill Four, Abduct Nine Fishermen from Taraba in Anambra

Four fishermen from Ibbi Local Government of Taraba State were killed, and nine others abducted by individuals suspected to be members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The incident occurred in Osama village, Ogbolu Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The fishermen, traveling from Ibbi town to the River Niger for their annual fishing activities, were intercepted by IPOB members enforcing a sit-at-home order. The attack resulted in the immediate killing of four fishermen, while the remaining nine were taken hostage.

Relatives of the victims recounted the harrowing experience. Sule Hussein, a relative of one of the hostages, revealed that the fishermen left Ibbi on Monday in a 24-seater bus with their family members. The assailants demanded ransom for the release of the nine hostages but refused to allow communication with any of the abducted individuals.

“Four of the fishermen were killed on the spot, and nine of them were taken hostage last Monday. We received calls from people claiming to be IPOB members, demanding ransom for their release,” Hussein said. “We asked to speak with any of the nine fishermen to ensure they are alive, but the callers refused. We have not heard from any of them five days after they were taken into the forest in a remote part of Anambra State.”

Hussein expressed the families’ deep concern, appealing to the Taraba State Government for intervention. “Our main concern is whether they are alive or killed. We appeal to the government to take action, as all those being held have wives and children,” he added.

In response, Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas assured that the state government is aware of the incident and is taking steps to rescue the hostages. Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Digital Communications, Mr. Emmanuel Bello, confirmed this commitment.

“The Governor and Government of Taraba State are aware of the situation. The Governor is committed to ensuring the safe rescue of the hostages,” Bello stated.