Gunmen suspected to be herders kidnapped three young men from Akama Oghe community in the Ajalli River area of Ezeagu Local Government Area in Enugu State while they were performing a traditional sacrifice.
The incident occurred over the weekend, leading to a harrowing ordeal for the victims.
According to reports, the victims had gone to the river for a sacrificial rite when the gunmen suddenly appeared, seizing them.
Fortunately, one of the abducted men managed to escape captivity on Sunday morning and alerted security personnel, which led to the rescue of the remaining captives.
A community leader in Enugu confirmed the incident, acknowledging the timely intervention of security operatives, particularly the Forest Guard, for their role in securing the victims’ freedom. The rescued men were found near the RCC office along the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, The Nation reported.
The survivors recounted their terrifying experience, with one escapee identified as Chiemelie narrating that the kidnappers, armed with AK-47 rifles, forced them into the forest after seizing their motorbike, reports The Nation.
He detailed his daring escape by diving into the river to evade the assailants, emphasizing his belief that divine intervention aided his survival.
Meanwhile, Enugu State Police Command’s Hawk Tactical Squad successfully rescued travellers kidnapped along the Ette Road in Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area while en route to Abuja.
Also, on a separate occasion, the operatives swiftly responded to a kidnapping report and rescued four victims in a forest at Agbogazi-Nike in Enugu East Local Government Area.
Daniel Ndukwe, the spokesman for the Enugu State Police Command, revealed that during the operation, a shootout occurred between the operatives and the hoodlums. Consequently, one of the kidnappers was neutralized, and an AK-47 rifle loaded with ammunition was recovered. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.
The Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, praised the swift actions of the operatives and urged the public to collaborate with the police by reporting individuals with gunshot wounds to the nearest police station.
He reiterated the commitment of the police force to combat violent criminal activities in the state. Citizens were advised to remain vigilant and law-abiding during this period.