15 people kidnapped in the Ibagwa-Agu community in Nsukka local government area in Nguzhou have regained their freedom after being imprisoned for five days. The victim was released in the early morning of Thursday, April 17, 2025.
The group was reportedly buried by suspected Fulani herders in the farm settlement and brought into the bushes.
Response to development, hon. Chidi Obetta, a member representing the Nsukka/Igbo-eze Yugoslavia constituency, expressed comfort and joy in their safe return in the National Assembly. “Their freedom has given great relief after the shock of being kidnapped. I thank everyone who plays a role in ensuring the release, especially community leaders and security agencies,” Obetta said in a statement to reporters on Thursday.
He described the rescue efforts as difficult and risky and called for positive measures to prevent recurrence in the area. Obetta urges the police department, the National Services Agency (DSS), the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), the military and the Enugu State government to carry out special security operations in affected farm settlements to protect residents and farmland.
He explained that after receiving information about the distress of the kidnapping, he chose to work cautiously to ensure the safe return of the victims. “My joy was overwhelming when they were finally released,” he said.
Obetta describes Ibagwa-Agu as an important agricultural hub known for producing crops such as yam, cassava, corn, pepper, melon, peanuts and palm oil. He warned that insecurities in the region could seriously affect food production and lead to shortages across the state and beyond.
According to the lawmaker’s intelligence report, the kidnapper may be a foreign mercenary. He warned that unless quick action is taken, attackers can establish a foothold in the area, similar to previous events in Uzzo-Ovani.
“About 13 victims returned to the funeral from a hired minibus, when the kidnappers were armed with guns, blocking the road and forcing them into the bush,” Obetta explained. “Two other victims – father and son, both following behind the bus, were also kidnapped.”
He noted that the kidnappers may have mistakenly thought the victims were able to pay the ransom wealthy, indicating a lack of familiarity with the local community.
honor. Obetta called on the police inspector general to direct the Enugu State Police Chief to deploy additional security personnel to Ibagwa-Agu. He also called on Governor Peter Mbah to mobilize neighborhood watches to ensure the safety of the area.
“The criminals must be brought to justice and efforts must be made to protect the people and to safeguard our agricultural economy,” he said.
