Kidnap Terror Grips Enugu As Gunmen Launch Back-To-Back Attacks

By OBI DAVIES

PANIC has erupted across Ezimo and neighbouring Obollo-Eke in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State after armed kidnappers launched a series of violent assaults over the weekend, shooting several women and abducting multiple residents.

The attacks, which occurred on Saturday and Sunday, targeted travellers and residents moving between the two communities. In Obollo-Eke, people returning from a marriage ceremony were ambushed and taken hostage. Witnesses say Saturday’s incident happened barely metres from a military checkpoint along the Ikem–Obollo-Afor federal road, yet the gunmen reportedly operated unchallenged for hours, firing at vehicles and herding victims through bush paths towards the Benue border.

Videos shared by locals show bloodied women being rushed to hospitals and vehicles riddled with bullets. Residents say the violence has become “a daily nightmare,” with kidnappers returning on Sunday for another round of abductions.

The wave of insecurity triggered a peaceful protest on Saturday morning, as scores of Ezimo women marched to the residence of the Deputy Governor to demand urgent intervention. They expressed fear over heightened attacks, particularly targeting women travelling for social and family events.

Community forums have since reported fresh incidents, including a kidnapping in Umuosigide and warnings of suspected gunmen sighted near Obollo-Afor. Several residents have raised alarms, urging local authorities to mobilise security forces immediately.

Despite widespread distress, the Enugu State Government has remained silent, and the Police Command has yet to release an official statement. Attempts to reach police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.