A survivor has shared a harrowing first-hand account of his abduction along the notorious Ugwogo–Opi–Nsukka Road in Enugu State, shedding light on how the operation was carried out, the conditions in captivity, and practical safety tips for road users.
According to the account, the incident occurred on the evening of November 29, 2025, at about 5:00pm, less than 100 metres from the last police checkpoint before the Ugwogo roundabout when approaching from Nsukka to Enugu.
The Ambush
The journey was smooth until sudden heavy gunfire erupted both in front of and behind the vehicle convoy, forcing cars to ram into one another. Sensing danger, the victim slowed down and instructed his colleague to flee into the bush. He also ran, heading towards the Camp of Grace building near the scene.
Moments later, a shout rang out. A gun was pointed at him, and he was ordered to lie face-down. “That was when I took a deep breath and resigned to fate,” he recalled.
He was dragged up minutes later—marking the beginning of a four-day ordeal in captivity.
Life in Captivity
The abductors, numbering 11 men, were described as tall, skinny individuals of Fulani origin, armed with four AK-47 rifles, machetes, axes, and hoes.
Their leader, a medium-built man, stood out for his commanding presence and fluency in English, Pidgin, Fulani, and Igbo.
The group lived a nomadic life in the forest:
- They woke around 5:30am, packed their belongings—pots, plates, food items, and sleeping sacks—and moved before farmers arrived on their farms.
- By 8:00pm, they relocated again to avoid being tracked to locations where ransom calls had been made earlier in the day.
- Victims were fed once daily, usually rice cooked with red oil, yam harvested from the bush with oil, or garri.
Fresh Attacks During Captivity
While in their custody, the gang carried out two additional attacks. On one occasion, they moved from a bush in Ogbeke to Agu Opi, settling on a hilltop overlooking the road.
At 3:00pm, eight members left the hideout. By 5:00pm, gunshots rang out again. Later that night, new victims were brought in, followed by another long trek through the forest.
Safety Advisory for Road Users
Based on his experience, the survivor offered critical safety tips for motorists using the Ugwogo–Opi–Nsukka axis:
- Best travel time: Between 9:00am and 1:00pm, when nearby farmlands are active.
- The kidnappers position themselves far apart to trap multiple vehicles—one team shooting in front, another from behind.
- Their ambush teams hide on the right side of the bush when coming from Nsukka. Those who flee into that side risk being captured.
- Running to the opposite side of the bush increases chances of escape.
- Victims travelling from Nsukka are more vulnerable due to the proximity of the kidnappers’ camps on that right flank.
- Families should remove victims from WhatsApp groups to reduce traceability.
- During negotiations, start from a very low offer and keep pleading. Any hostility from negotiators is often taken out on victims, sometimes violently.
Gratitude and Survival
The survivor credited his release to divine intervention and the unwavering support of family and friends.
“I give all glory to God for a second chance at life,” he said, appreciating those who prayed, mobilised funds, and worked tirelessly for his freedom. “You took it personal and ensured my release. I came out unharmed.”
He concluded with heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed, adding that their generosity and commitment would never be forgotten.
—From Peter, given a second chance at life.
We keep moving.
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