A survivor of a recent kidnapping along the Ugwogo–Nike–Opi–Nsukka Road in Enugu State has recounted his harrowing four-day captivity, highlighting the tactics of criminal gangs operating along the route.
The victim, identified as Peter, was abducted on November 29, 2025, around 5:00 p.m., less than 100 metres from the last police checkpoint before the Ugwogo Roundabout while travelling from Nsukka to Enugu.
Peter described the attack, saying, “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. I slowed down and told my colleague to run into the bush while I did the same.”
His escape attempt ended when he encountered an armed man near a building owned by the Scripture Union, close to the Camp of Grace. “I heard a loud ‘heey!’ with a gun pointed at me and I was ordered to lie down,” Peter said. “At that point, I took a deep breath and resigned to fate.”
Peter said the gang consisted of 11 armed men of Fulani origin, carrying AK-47 rifles, machetes, axes, and hoes. He described the leader as authoritative, fluent in English, Pidgin, Fulfulde, and Igbo, and responsible for coordinating their movements.
The captives were forced to move constantly to avoid detection, carrying the gang’s belongings through bushes and farmlands. “They woke us at 5:30 a.m. every day. We packed their food items, pots, and sacks, and moved before farmers arrived,” Peter said.
Food was scarce, with only one meal provided daily, often consisting of rice with red oil, bush-harvested yam, or garri. During his captivity, Peter said the gang carried out at least two other attacks along the same road.
Peter warned motorists to exercise caution along the Ugwogo–Opi–Nsukka corridor, particularly in the late afternoon and evening. “The safest time to use that road is between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.,” he advised, noting that the kidnappers typically position shooters strategically to trap vehicles.
He also urged families of victims to handle ransom negotiations carefully, advising that aggressiveness could endanger captives.
After his release, Peter expressed gratitude to his friends, family, and supporters who contributed funds and prayers for his safe return. “I give all glory to God. He gave me a second chance at life,” he said, acknowledging the role of his community in securing his release.
The account, shared on Facebook by social media influencer “Senator” Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, has renewed public concern over highway insecurity in Enugu State.
