ISHIAGU, Nigeria – An evening turned tragic for five individuals as gunmen kidnapped them on the frequently travelled Mile 2 section of the Ishiagu/Okigwe Road, between Imo and Ebonyi state.
The incident happened around 5:30pm on Tuesday, August 15, 2023.
The victims, returning from Enugu Airport, were seized while in an airport taxi, a Sienna bus bearing the registration number KWL 941 PD.
The kidnapped include a 41-year-old man, Ajah Chibuzo, his wife, their 12-year-old daughter, and the taxi driver.
A fifth victim remains unidentified.
This section of the road has seen frequent kidnappings in recent times, with 20 individuals being abducted in just the past four months.
Around four have been killed by these kidnappers, suspected to be herdsmen.
This recurring menace has caused significant unrest among the local community, leading to protests, some of which turned violent.
Hon Ike Cletus, Special Assistant to the Ebonyi State Governor on Internal Security for Ivo Local Government Area, acknowledged the rising trend with dismay.
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He lamented over the non-functional state of the local Vigilante Group, expressing concern over the area becoming an attraction for criminal elements.
“It is disheartening to witness Ivo Local Government turning into a refuge for kidnappers. Despite financial resources being funneled into the Vigilante Group, their performance is severely lacking. A complete reevaluation and enhancement of the local government’s security measures are imperative,” said Cletus.
He further stressed the commitment of the administration under Rt. Hon Francis Nwifuru to guarantee the safety and security of its residents.
However, he also emphasized the importance of Council Chairmen’s support in areas where kidnappers roam without fear.
Efforts to get comments from SP Onome Onovwakpoyeya, the Ebonyi State Police Public Relations Officer, were futile as she was unavailable for comment at the time of this report.
