Enugu-Nsukka Road Attack: Over 35 Passengers, Including Soldiers, Kidnapped

Tensions have risen in the Enugu-Ezike area of Igbo Eze North Local Government, Enugu State, following the abduction of over 35 passengers, including three Nigerian soldiers, by gunmen along the Enugu-Nsukka Road on Thursday, January 9, 2025.

The attackers targeted three commercial buses traveling along the bad road, forcefully abducting their passengers, including four soldiers. One of the soldiers, Private Usendu Emediong (24NA/87/7560), managed to escape and reported the incident. The others, identified as Private Usoro Ezekiel Paul (24NA/87/6751), Private Jeremiah Inimbom Thomas (24NA/87/7937), and Private Victor Itiat Godwin (24NA/87/8348), were taken into the bush along with the civilians.

Eyewitnesses reported that the gunmen, numbering 17, operated for about an hour, herding their captives into the forest. A resident who witnessed the events revealed that the abductors shot one victim who became too tired to continue walking. Local hunters later discovered the victim’s body, which was recovered and taken to the morgue.

A military signal confirmed the incident, stating that the abducted soldiers were traveling from Akwa Ibom to Kaduna in a commercial vehicle. The message, issued by Major AE Edet, noted that preliminary investigations were ongoing.

Residents report heightened fear as military operatives and local hunters comb the area, with a helicopter seen hovering overhead on Sunday morning. However, no rescue has been confirmed, and the attackers, along with the captives, are believed to have moved further into the forest.