Enugu / Benue — December 5, 2025 | Dalena Reporters
Several victims abducted during recent attacks on Ezimo and Obollo‑Eke communities in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State have regained their freedom after a substantial ransom was reportedly paid to their captors, according to sources in the community.
The hostages were released Thursday evening near the border with Benue State, then taken to the Orokamu Police Station in Benue before being transferred to medical facilities in Enugu for treatment.
The freed residents were among those abducted during violent raids over the weekend — what locals described as some of the boldest attacks in recent months. In the first attack in Ezimo, gunmen opened fire on returning villagers, including women, before forcibly taking a number of people hostage. Eyewitnesses say several victims were wounded and vehicles were riddled with bullets.
According to community sources, the kidnappers transported their captives through forest routes towards Benue State, evading security checkpoints despite the presence of a nearby military post.
Following that first raid, the assailants struck again in Obollo-Eke, abducting additional villagers. The frequency and intensity of the attacks sparked alarm and outrage among residents, many of whom described a state of panic — especially women returning from ceremonies and social events.
Shaken by the wave of kidnappings, women of Ezimo staged a peaceful protest earlier this week. They marched to the residence of the state’s Deputy Governor, demanding urgent government intervention, protection, and enforcement of security along the federal highway linking their area.
Despite the release of the recent abductees, community leaders and residents warn that security remains fragile. They criticised the lack of timely intervention by state police and security agencies, highlighting that victims were freed only after ransom payment — not by proactive rescue operations.
As of now, the Enugu State Police Command has not issued a public statement regarding the attacks, the ransom payment, nor measures being taken to secure the region. Calls placed to their spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, went unanswered at press time.