Wave of Kidnappings Strikes Awka’s Dubai Estate, ₦75 Million Paid in Ransoms, Fulani Herdsmen Suspected

A wave of kidnappings has rocked Dubai Estate in Awka Capital City, with suspected Fulani herdsmen abducting at least six individuals over the past three weeks.

Reports indicate that four of the six kidnapped victims paid a combined ransom of ₦75 million to secure their release. The kidnappers are said to operate along the Federal Road Safety Corps route from the Onitsha–Awka–Enugu Expressway into Dubai Estate.

In one incident near an NNPC station, the herdsmen kidnapped a professor, who reportedly paid ₦31 million for his freedom. Another victim, a young man driving a Toyota Highlander, was kidnapped alongside his fiancée, with a ransom of ₦45 million allegedly paid for their release.

Additionally, a boy and two girls were abducted, though their current status and whether any ransom was paid remain unclear.

In a related incident, a young man narrowly escaped abduction when his Toyota Camry was set on fire by the kidnappers. He managed to flee and take refuge in a nearby building.

Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochikwu Ikenga assured the public that the police are actively investigating the kidnappings. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the confidentiality of the undercover operations to avoid compromising intelligence efforts. “The Command encourages victims to come forward with information to assist our investigation,” he added.

Residents have since adjusted their routines, opting to return home earlier to avoid potential threats and taking alternative routes for safety. Motorists have also been cautious, avoiding stops at the Dubai Estate junction after 7 pm.

A shuttle driver recounted a harrowing experience at the junction: “I dropped off two passengers, and as I was leaving, they shouted for me to stop and take them back. They said a woman had been taken at gunpoint, and another person lay in a pool of blood.”