A survivor of a recent kidnapping along the Ugwogo Nike–Opi–Nsukka Road in Enugu State has shared a disturbing account of his four-day captivity, offering insights into the methods used by armed gangs terrorising the area.
The victim, identified simply as Peter, was abducted on November 29, 2025, at about 5pm, less than 100 metres from the last police checkpoint before the Ugwogo Roundabout while travelling from Nsukka to Enugu.
Recounting the incident, Peter said the attack happened suddenly. “We were having a smooth journey when suddenly I heard heavy gunshots in front of me and behind me. Vehicles ahead rammed into one another,” he said. He added that he attempted to escape into the bush with a colleague.
However, his escape was cut short near a building belonging to the Scripture Union close to Camp of Grace, where an armed man confronted him and ordered him to lie down. “At that point, I took a deep breath and resigned to fate,” Peter recalled.
He was later forced to join other captives and moved through bushes and farmlands for four days. According to him, the gang consisted of 11 armed men, led by a commander who spoke fluent English, Pidgin, Fulfulde, and Igbo.
Peter explained that the kidnappers constantly relocated to avoid security detection, moving early in the morning and late at night. Food was limited to one meal per day, often consisting of basic local staples.
During his captivity, Peter witnessed the gang carry out two additional attacks along the same road, bringing in more captives. He warned that the stretch is particularly dangerous in the late afternoon and evening, advising travellers to use the road between 9am and 1pm when farm activities are high.
He also shared safety advice, noting that those travelling from Nsukka are more vulnerable due to the location of the kidnappers’ camps.
Peter urged families negotiating ransom payments to remain calm, warning that aggressive negotiations often lead to harsher treatment of captives.
After regaining his freedom, he expressed gratitude to family, friends, and supporters who contributed to his release. “I give all glory to God. He gave me a second chance at life,” he said.
The account, shared on Facebook by social media influencer Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, has renewed public concern over highway insecurity in Enugu State.
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