On Thursday, 9th January 2025, gunmen attacked three buses on the Enugu-Nsukka Road. They abducted more than 35 people, including three Nigerian Army personnel.
Gunmen attack buses
The attackers, believed to be Fulani herdsmen, targeted the buses on a busy road connecting eastern and northern Nigeria. After holding the victims for around an hour, the kidnappers took them into nearby woodland. They initially captured four soldiers. However, one soldier, Private Usendu Emediong (24NA/87/7560), managed to escape.
Private Usoro Ezekiel Paul (24NA/87/6751), Private Jeremiah Inimbom Thomas (24NA/87/7937), and Private Victor Itiat Godwin (24NA/87/8348) were abducted, along with the other passengers.
Eyewitness account and military response
An eyewitness, staying in Enugu-Ezike, described the situation: “Seventeen gunmen held the victims for about an hour and forced them into the bush.” He pointed out that the poor road conditions hindered any escape.
The witness mentioned that one victim managed to break free. He explained that he was a soldier travelling from Akwa Ibom to Kaduna State with three others when the attack took place.
Later, during their patrol, local hunters encountered the kidnappers in the woods. They overheard one victim, too tired to walk, being shot. Military personnel, along with the hunters, found the victim’s body and later transported it to the morgue.
A military report confirmed the abduction of the three soldiers. It stated that the soldiers, part of the 87 Regular Recruits Intake (87RRI), had been travelling along the Enugu-Nsukka Road when the kidnapping happened.
The helicopter circling the area the next morning added to the local concern. However, no one has reported sighting the kidnappers or the abducted victims.
