Abduction gale causes tension in Enugu community

…2 killed, 12 kidnapped in one week

…Ugwuanyi reads riot act

RESIDENTS of Ikem in Isiuzo Local Government Area of Enugu State are living in fear following a gale of abduction that rocked the community last week with two out of 12 kidnapped persons killed by their abductors.

  Among those kidnapped or missing are three female National Youth Corps (NYSC) members, a 70-year-old man identified as Mr. Benjamin Ogbodo and his 30-year-old son, Uchedike, among others.

  While their abductors have demanded ₦10million as ransom for Ogbodo and his son, lesser amounts were placed on others but the villagers have been unable to raise money and pay for their release before news came that two victims had been killed.

  Residents say those terrorising Ikem are bandits raiding the town at different times, shooting and rounding up their victims, after arriving in a convoy.

  The fear currently gripping the community creates frequent pandemonium and stampede in strategic locations among residents running for dear life in different directions whenever anyone raises alarm.

  Although nobody or group has claimed responsibility, some residents say those behind the kidnaps are unknown gunmen. 

  According to a resident, “Ikem has been turned to a ghost in one week of kidnapping spree during which bandits swoop on hapless residents at Isioroto Ikem at different times, between 6am-8pm. While they shot one person dead on his way to Obollo through Ikem, we heard that another woman was killed in the bush where she and others were being kept.”

  Reacting to the development, Governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi said the state cannot fold its arm and watch hoodlums turn any community into death camp.

  Ugwuanyi stated this during an emergency meeting with representatives of Ikem, and other towns in Isiuzo Local Government Area, yesterday afternoon.

  According to the governor, troops of Nigerian Army have been drafted into the area to beef up security.

  It will be recalled that another town in the area, Eha Amufu, recently became target of daylight kidnap incidents until security was restored.