BREAKING: Many Passengers, Including Driver, Feared Kidnapped in Road Attack
At least six passengers, including the driver, have been abducted by gunmen along the Nsukka–Adani Road in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, December 26, 2025, when a fully loaded mini-bus belonging to the Enugu State Transport Company (ENTRACO) was intercepted near the Adani community. The area is widely known by residents as a hotspot for criminal activities.
Sources said the attackers struck suddenly, blocking the highway and forcing the bus to stop. While three passengers reportedly escaped by fleeing into the bush, six others were taken away by the assailants. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Ignatius Ewenike.
A community leader in Adani, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the abduction and attributed the incident to the risks associated with early-morning travel on the road.
“That road is very dangerous, especially in the early hours of the day,” the source said. “At night, police officers usually patrol the area, while the local vigilante group takes over during the day. On that morning, the driver was advised not to move so early until the vigilantes resumed duty, but he ignored the warning.”
According to the community leader, the gunmen emerged from hiding, intercepted the vehicle, and herded the victims into a nearby bush.
“The attackers blocked the road and stopped the bus. Some passengers managed to escape, but six of them, including the driver, were not so lucky,” he added.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no information indicating that the kidnappers had contacted the families of the victims to demand ransom.
Residents of the area have expressed renewed concern over security on the Nsukka–Adani axis, calling on security agencies to maintain a consistent presence on the road.
“This is a very important route used daily by many people,” the community leader said. “We are appealing to the government and security agencies to ensure that security is not withdrawn at any time, whether at night or during the day.”
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Enugu State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls and text messages sent to the police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, were not returned as of press time.
The incident adds to growing concerns over kidnapping and violent crimes in parts of Enugu State, despite repeated assurances from security agencies that measures are being intensified to protect residents and commuters.
It will be recalled that Governor Peter Mbah, on December 1, unveiled two security drones and a fleet of operational vehicles as part of renewed efforts to combat violent crime across the state.
“The number of drones and vehicles here is not enough. We need more. We must overwhelm criminals with superior technology and rapid response capability,” the governor had said.
