ENUGU, Nigeria — A grim scene unfolded on Friday, August 11, 2023, on the Ugwogo-Neke-Ikem road straddling Enugu East and Isi-Uzo local government areas in Enugu state.
Suspected kidnappers reportedly killed two people, with several others kidnapped and unknown whereabouts.
Eyewitnesses recount the horror that took place between 7:30 and 8 pm.
The attackers swooped down on unsuspecting travelers, indiscriminately firing at incoming vehicles.
One vehicle was targeted, resulting in two deaths, before the assailants proceeded to commandeer another vehicle, kidnapping its occupants.
“Chief Cyril Mbah from Neke Odenigbo-Nike was tragically gunned down by the suspected kidnappers near the Neke Odenigbo junction,” an eyewitness recounted.
“Caught in the crossfire while trying to get home with his daughter, he was fatally shot. Miraculously, his daughter remained unharmed.”
The violent spree didn’t stop there. The attackers intercepted another vehicle, firing shots that punctured its tires.
With the vehicle immobilized, they kidnapped the driver and other passengers. The destination of these kidnappers, along with the fate of their victims, remains shrouded in mystery.
The escalating violence and brazen attacks raise serious security concerns for residents and travelers in the region.
Upon reaching out for an official statement, the Enugu Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, said he would verify the incident.
The community and, indeed, the nation await further updates and fervently hope for the safe return of the abducted individuals.
Enugu Government Bans Illicit Collection of Levies and Tolls on Roads
The Enugu State Government has banned collecting tolls and levies by unauthorized individuals or groups along state highways.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, communicated this directive in a statement on Monday, August 7, 2023, in Enugu.
Prof. Onyia highlighted the government’s displeasure with the disruptive actions of these groups.
Using various coercive tactics, they have been extracting money from vehicles transporting various commodities, including farm produce and livestock, all under the guise of acting on the government’s behalf.
Prof. Onyia further emphasized that these unauthorized collections contravene the government’s efforts to improve the ease of doing business within the state.
Reiterating the commitment of the current administration led by Governor Peter Mbah, Onyia stated, “The government is focused on expanding the Enugu economy by actively promoting economic activities, incentivizing the private sector, and boosting sectors such as agriculture. We aim to support all lawful business endeavors beneficial to the state.”
As part of measures to streamline the state’s revenue system, the government is also working towards eliminating all forms of illegal and multiple taxation.
This includes moving away from manual cash payments, paper receipts, and tickets to a more technologically-driven and user-friendly approach.
Individuals and groups involved in these unauthorized collections have been warned to desist from such activities, with immediate penalties for non-compliance.
A taskforce has been established to ensure strict enforcement of this ban.
Prof. Onyia concluded that the ban is effective immediately and cautioned that anyone violating this directive would face legal consequences.