JUST IN: Nigerian Road Safety Official Kidnapped in Enugu, Gunmen Demand N50 Million Ransom

Gunmen have abducted Emeason Chima, an official with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), and are demanding a ransom of N50 million. The abduction reportedly took place on Saturday near Maduka University in Nsukka, Enugu State.

Chima, who serves with the RS4.211 unit at Ugbokolo, was attacked while driving alone. According to an internal memo from the FRSC, Chima’s abductors used his mobile phone to relay their ransom demand. “The Command is in receipt of information about the kidnap of SRMA Emeason Chima,” confirmed Emmanuel Al-Hassan, the unit commander, in the document. “The incident occurred near Maduka University along the Nsukka Enugu Road, close to the OPI junction.”

The memo adds that the Ugbokolo unit commander has been in contact with the kidnappers, who are insisting on the multi-million-naira ransom for Chima’s release.

This kidnapping is the latest in a series of violent incidents in Nigeria’s South-East, where kidnappings, ransom demands, and deadly attacks on civilians, officials, and law enforcement have surged. Both government and security agency facilities are frequently targeted, as are military and police personnel in the region.

The Nigerian government has attributed some of the violence to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a pro-Biafra group. However, IPOB has consistently denied involvement in any violent attacks.

Authorities are yet to release further updates as investigations into Chima’s abduction continue.