ENUGU, Nigeria — The Enugu State Police Command is actively searching for armed individuals implicated in a recent incident on the Ugwogo-Nike/Ikem stretch of the Enugu-Opi-Nsukka Road.
The Command’s Spokesman, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the initiation of the manhunt in a statement released on Saturday, August 12, 2023.
He detailed the incident: “Our focus is on capturing the armed assailants responsible for the tragic shooting and death of a man and a Passat car driver, identified as Cyril Mbah. The unfortunate event transpired on August 11, 2023, around 7:45 p.m. on the Ugwogo-Nike/Ikem section of the Enugu-Opi-Nsukka Road.”
While addressing concerns sparked by reports in various online media outlets, Ndukwe clarified.
“We want to set the record straight: As of now, we have not received any reports or evidence pointing to abduction or kidnapping incidents on that same stretch of road at the time mentioned.”
There have been rumors, especially from online news outlets earlier on Saturday, August 12, 2023, suggesting a resurgence of kidnapping activities on that particular route.
However, the Police Command’s statement aims to dispel such notions and reassure the public of their ongoing efforts to ensure safety and apprehend those involved in the recent crime.
Residents are urged to remain vigilant, report any suspicious activities, and trust the capabilities of the police force in maintaining law and order within the state.
Bandits Unleash Terror in Enugu: Twin Killings and Wave of Abductions Reported
A grim scene unfolded on Friday, August 11, 2023, on the Ugwogo-Neke-Ikem road straddling Enugu East and Isi-Uzo local government areas in Enugu state.
Suspected kidnappers reportedly killed two people, with several others kidnapped and unknown whereabouts.
Eyewitnesses recount the horror that took place between 7:30 and 8 pm.
The attackers swooped down on unsuspecting travelers, indiscriminately firing at incoming vehicles.
One vehicle was targeted, resulting in two deaths, before the assailants proceeded to commandeer another vehicle, kidnapping its occupants.
“Chief Cyril Mbah from Neke Odenigbo-Nike was tragically gunned down by the suspected kidnappers near the Neke Odenigbo junction,” an eyewitness recounted.
“Caught in the crossfire while trying to get home with his daughter, he was fatally shot. Miraculously, his daughter remained unharmed.”
The violent spree didn’t stop there. The attackers intercepted another vehicle, firing shots that punctured its tires.
With the vehicle immobilized, they kidnapped the driver and other passengers. The destination of these kidnappers, along with the fate of their victims, remains shrouded in mystery.
The escalating violence and brazen attacks raise serious security concerns for residents and travelers in the region.
Upon reaching out for an official statement, the Enugu Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said he would verify the incident.
The community and, indeed, the nation await further updates and fervently hope for the safe return of the abducted individuals.
