Suspected Armed Herdsmen Abduct Priestess, Worshippers During River Ritual in Enugu

A priestess and three of her worshippers were abducted by gunmen while performing a ritual for a water goddess at a river in Ohebe Orba, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State. The attack occurred on the night of Wednesday, April 16, 2025.

According to reports, the victims were conducting a spiritual ceremony involving water and offerings, when they were intercepted and kidnapped by individuals suspected to be Fulani herdsmen. Four local farmers were also abducted around the same time in the same community while working in their cashew farms.

Enugu-based media personality Chijinkem Ugwuanyi confirmed the incident and shared details of the abductions via social media. He noted that the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N50 million but later reduced their demand to N15 million.

Commenting on the security situation, Senator Okey Ezea, who represents Enugu North Senatorial District, expressed deep concern, stating that kidnappers and Fulani herdsmen have overrun several parts of the region, including Nsukka.