JUST IN: Armed herdsmen kidnap 3 soldeirs, 35 passengers on Enugu-Nsukka road

Tension has gripped the Enugu-Ezike community in Igbo Eze North Local Government Area of Enugu State following the abduction of over 35 passengers by suspected herdsmen along the Enugu-Nsukka road.

The attack, which took place on Thursday, January 9, 2025, involved the hijacking of three commercial buses.

Among the abductees were four Nigerian Army personnel, one of whom, PTE Usendu Emediong, managed to escape. However, three others, PTE Usoro Ezekiel Paul, Jeremiah Inimbom Thomas, and PTE Victor Itiat Godwin, remain in captivity.

Eyewitnesses reported that the kidnappers, numbering 17, held up traffic on the road for an hour, forcing all passengers into the bush.

A resident recounted: “Not far from my home in Enugu-Ezike, a group of 17 Fulani herdsmen ambushed three 18-seater buses, kidnapping at least 35 passengers.

“The victims were marched into the bush, with one soldier managing to escape and narrating the ordeal. The soldiers were travelling from Akwa Ibom to Kaduna in one of the commercial buses.”

Reports from local hunters indicate that one of the abductees was killed after expressing exhaustion during the forced march. His body was later recovered and taken to the morgue by military operatives.

The abduction has sparked fear among residents as a military helicopter has been seen hovering over the area in search of the captives.

However, there is concern that the kidnappers and their victims may have moved out of the area.

A military signal obtained by SaharaReporters confirmed the incident. The signal, sent by Major AE Edet, noted that investigations were underway and urged immediate action to rescue the victims.

The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.