A young man who survived a harrowing kidnapping ordeal along the Ugwogo Nike–Opi–Nsukka Road in Enugu State has provided a detailed account of his terrifying four-day captivity, shedding light on the operations of criminal gangs that have been terrorizing commuters along this busy highway. His story underscores the persistent insecurity and the audacity of armed groups in the region, raising renewed concerns for public safety.
In a Facebook post shared by Sen. Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, the survivor, identified as Peter, explained that he was abducted around 5pm on November 29, 2025, while traveling from Nsukka to Enugu. The abduction reportedly occurred near the last police checkpoint before Ugwogo Roundabout, highlighting the boldness of the assailants even in areas previously considered relatively secure.
According to Peter, the attack began suddenly when gunmen opened fire from both directions on the road, creating chaos as vehicles collided in panic. Attempting to escape, Peter fled into the bush, but he was intercepted near a Scripture Union building close to Camp of Grace. He recalled the moment of his capture, saying:
“I heard a loud ‘heey!’ with a gun pointed at me and I was ordered to lie down. At that point, I resigned to fate.”
Once captured, Peter was forced to join a group of other victims, trekking through bushes and farmlands in what he described as a “four-day nomadic lifestyle.” The gang consisted of 11 armed men, all carrying AK-47 rifles and other weapons, and operated with strict discipline to evade security forces. Peter provided insight into the gang’s leadership, stating:
“He was a mid-sized man whose voice carried authority. He coordinated everything and spoke fluent English, Pidgin, Fulfulde and Igbo.”
During their time in captivity, Peter and the other victims were provided with minimal food, typically only once a day, and were required to carry the gang’s supplies while constantly moving to avoid detection by law enforcement. The survivors noted that the gang carried out at least two additional attacks on the same road during the period, capturing more victims and demonstrating the dangerous mobility and strategy employed by these criminals.
Peter advised motorists to avoid the Ugwogo Nike–Opi–Nsukka route in the late afternoon and evening, recommending that travel between 9am and 1pm appears relatively safer. He also encouraged families of kidnapping victims to remain calm during ransom negotiations, highlighting the importance of measured responses in high-pressure situations.
Following his release, Peter expressed profound gratitude to God and to everyone who supported him during his ordeal. His detailed account has once again ignited public discussion about the escalating insecurity on Enugu highways and the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect commuters and residents alike.
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