Gunmen have released a mother and her three sons who were kidnapped while harvesting cassava on their farmland in Ugbene Ajima, a community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. The victims, identified as Bridget Okey and her sons, Chukwubuike, Chukwuemeka, and Chijioke, were kidnapped on November 5 at Nwiyi Ivuruge, along the route leading to Umualogo Village in the neighbouring Nkpologu Community.
According to Vanguard, the kidnapped victims were released after payment of N4 million ransom to the kidnappers. An unnamed source close to the family reported that the kidnappers initially demanded N40 million for the release of the four victims but later reduced and accepted N4 million. The source stated that donations from relatives, in-laws, villagers, and friends of the family helped raise the money used to secure their release.
However, the Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Chijioke Ezugwu, has refuted reports of ransom payment to the kidnappers. Mr. Ezugwu, a lawyer, insisted that the victims' release was achieved through the efforts of security agencies. He praised the security agencies for their commitment, professionalism, and coordinated efforts, which contributed to the successful release of the kidnapped family.
Mr. Ezugwu reassured residents of Ugbene Ajima and other communities across the local government area that his administration would continue to work closely with security agencies to strengthen surveillance, improve intelligence gathering, and prevent a recurrence of such incidents. The official stated that security agencies were intensifying efforts to ensure that criminals had no room to operate within the local government area.
Mr. Ezugwu also urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with security personnel by providing timely and useful information that could help prevent criminal activities and protect their communities. He reiterated his administration's commitment to protecting lives and property, maintaining peace, and ensuring that communities across Uzo-Uwani LGA remained safe for residents, businesses, and visitors.
This incident is not an isolated case, as communities in Uzo-Uwani LGA have witnessed deadly attacks and kidnapping in recent years. Residents believe that the attacks are often carried out by suspected herders. In May last year, at least one person was shot dead while 10 people were kidnapped in separate attacks by gunmen in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of the state.
The release of the kidnapped family is a relief to the community, and the local government's efforts to work with security agencies to prevent future incidents are ongoing. The incident highlights the need for continued vigilance and cooperation between residents and security personnel to ensure the safety of communities in the area.
Key points
- The kidnapped family of four was released after a N4 million ransom payment.
- The Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area refuted reports of ransom payment, stating that security agencies achieved the release through their efforts.
- The local government has pledged to continue working with security agencies to strengthen surveillance and prevent future incidents.
