A recent surge in kidnapping activities has thrown Anambra State into turmoil, with criminals targeting government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and ordinary citizens. The kidnappers, believed to be operating from various camps across the state, have struck fear into the hearts of residents, with multiple abductions reported in recent weeks.
Among the latest victims is Mr. Christopher Friday, the Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Akwa Ibom State. Mr. Friday and his driver were kidnapped on their way back to Uyo from Edo State at Mbosi in Ihiala Local Government Area. Despite the payment of a ransom totaling ₦4.2 million, the victims remain in captivity, according to a reliable source.
In a separate incident, the son of a prominent traditional ruler in Anambra was abducted last week near Modebe by Oguta Road junction in Onitsha. As of the time of reporting, he has yet to be released.
Another harrowing event involved Mr. Michael Ihekwerehu, also known as Major, who was kidnapped in Ihiala on July 23, 2024, while en route to Umuahia, Abia State, for his daughter’s wedding. The kidnappers, suspected to be members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), identified him through the vehicle’s manifest. His family was forced to pay a ransom of ₦2 million for his release.
The kidnappers’ spree continued with the abduction of a businessman’s son in Onitsha. Although the young man was eventually released, the criminals withdrew ₦7 million from his account using his mobile phone and inflicted serious injuries on him before fleeing with his Lexus Jeep.
Earlier in June, a series of abductions occurred in Creek Road, Fegge Onitsha. One victim, identified as Chizoba, was shot in the mouth, losing several teeth, while his pregnant wife was taken by the kidnappers. Her release was secured after a ransom of ₦12 million was paid.
The wave of abductions has also touched religious leaders, with a prominent Catholic priest, Reverend Father Gbuzuo, forced to pay ₦10 million to secure his freedom. In another chilling incident, the wife of Chief Uchenna Anyadiegwu was kidnapped in Nkpor, Idemili North Local Government Area, following a similar fate that befell other relatives of the chief.
Investigations reveal that the kidnappers operate from multiple camps across the South East, with Anambra and Imo States identified as key havens. Anambra alone hosts 10 camps, including those in Ihiala, Nnewi, Orumba South, and Ogbaru Local Government Areas. Imo State has at least 9 camps, with other camps spread across Enugu, Abia, Ebonyi, and Delta States.
The rising insecurity has left residents of Anambra State in a state of anxiety, with many calling for immediate and decisive action from law enforcement agencies to dismantle these kidnapping networks and restore safety to the region.
According to Chief JohnBosco Odimegwu Ojukwu, “as the situation develops, the South East Security Forum (SESF) and other relevant authorities are urged to intensify efforts to combat the growing menace and bring the perpetrators to justice.