Four victims of a brutal kidnapping in Imo State have recounted their harrowing experience after being rescued by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Imo State Police Command on Saturday. The victims—Mrs. Carolyn Didia, Mrs. Ego Odu, Mrs. Apollonia Ezekwe, and Mr. Godwin Ezekwe—were abducted on Friday while traveling on the Obosima-Ohoba road in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.
The group, en route to a wedding in Owerri from Awarra, was ambushed by gunmen who shot at their vehicle, forcing it to stop. According to eyewitnesses, the driver attempted to flee but was caught and macheted by the attackers.
Godwin Ezekwe, a Lagos-based computer merchant, revealed that the kidnappers first shot at their vehicle from behind before another group intercepted them ahead. “We were forced to stop when we encountered a second set of gunmen. The driver ran but was captured and severely injured. They took four of us into the bush, leaving two elderly women behind. We trekked from 6 pm until 3 am,” he recounted.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded N150 million in ransom and subjected the victims to physical abuse. Ezekwe, who was later shot in both legs during the ordeal, explained that they were constantly moved to avoid detection. Their rescue came after a local hunter spotted them and alerted the community, prompting a police response.
Mrs. Ego Odu, another victim, said the attackers forcibly removed them from the vehicle and began beating them. “They kept moving us through the bush until morning. It was terrifying,” she said.
Mrs. Carolyn Didia also described the traumatic experience of being marched through rough terrain for hours. “We walked long distances as they moved us from one location to another,” she added.
The Imo State Police Command confirmed that their Anti-Kidnapping Unit rescued the victims after a fierce gunfight with the kidnappers, resulting in the death of two suspects. Spokesperson ASP Henry Okoye revealed that one AK-47 rifle, 21 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and a magazine were recovered during the operation.
The successful rescue operation underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region and the relentless efforts of the police to combat violent crime.
