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Tension has enveloped Ezimo community in Udenu Local Government, Enugu State following a series of violent attacks by armed kidnappers over the weekend.
Several women were shot, and multiple residents were abducted in separate incidents that also spread to the neighbouring Obollo-Eke community.
The attacks, which occurred on Saturday and Sunday, left residents shaken. In Obollo-Eke, people returning from a marriage ceremony were ambushed and taken hostage.
According to residents, Saturday’s assault occurred just a short distance from a military checkpoint along the Ikem–Obollo-Afor federal road.
Despite the proximity of security personnel, witnesses said the gunmen operated freely for hours, firing at passing vehicles and whisking away their victims through bush paths leading towards the Benue border.
Videos shared by locals show injured women being carried into hospitals on stretchers, while vehicles riddled with bullets reflect the ferocity of the attack.
A resident, Marcel Ossai, described the continuous violence as “a daily nightmare” that has failed to attract adequate government attention.
“Women returning from a marriage ceremony were attacked in the evening. Some escaped with bullet wounds, but about seven were abducted,” Ossai said.
“These criminals operated unchallenged, even though the incident happened about two poles from a military checkpoint near a cashew plantation. They took their victims and crossed into Benue State.”
He added that the kidnappers struck again on Sunday in Obollo-Eke, seizing more residents in another audacious operation.
The rising insecurity prompted scores of Ezimo women to march through the community on Saturday morning to the residence of the Deputy Governor, demanding urgent government intervention.
During the peaceful demonstration, the women expressed fear and frustration over what they described as relentless attacks on their communities, particularly targeting women travelling for social or family engagements.
“Our Ezimo women have gathered peacefully in front of the Deputy Governor’s residence to express their deep pain and frustration,” a resident wrote on a community platform.
“Ezimo people are no longer safe. With recent kidnappings, shootings, and the fear that has overtaken our villages, the women are demanding urgent government intervention.”
He stressed that the protest was not confrontational but a desperate plea for protection.
“This is a cry for help, a call for protection, and a reminder that our communities cannot continue to live in fear,” he added.
Residents also reported fresh incidents on community forums. One witness said the latest abduction in Umuosigide happened “just a few minutes ago.” Another warned: “I get information that Fulani people is in Obollo Afor right now. They arrived about 10 o’clock yesterday night at Agu Ogwu land, so anybody that is going to Obollo Etiti or Obollo Eke should be careful. Government should do something about it before we receive bad news. Please let this information go to the chairman of our local government to mobilise security to do the needful sharp sharp.”
Another resident, who requested anonymity, said his uncle had just been kidnapped in Umuosigide.
Despite the rising fear and repeated distress calls, the state government has remained silent on the wave of attacks that have claimed several lives across Udenu Local Government Area.
As of the time of filing this report, the Enugu State Police Command had not issued any official statement on the attacks or the protest. The spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, did not respond to repeated calls and text messages.
