Enugu-born surveyor who simply identified himself as Peter has narrated his ordeals in the hands of his abductors along Nsukka/Ugwogo Nike road in Enugu state.
According to the building expert, he was kidnapped along the road and taken into the bush where he stayed for some days before his release.
In his words,” I was kidnapped on the eve of 29th November, 2025 at around 5pm, barely 100meters away from the last police check point before Ugwogo roundabout; that’s if you’re coming from Nsukka to Enugu.”
Narrating his journey before the ugly incident, Mr. Peter stated that “we were having a smooth journey when all of a sudden I heard heavy gunshots in front of me and at my back causing the vehicle ahead of me to jam into each other.
“I immediately decelerated and instructed my colleague to run into the bush while I did same. I was running for my dear life heading to the camp of grace building close to the scene owned by Scripture Union when I heard a loud heey!!! with a gun pointing towards me and the bearer telling me to lie down there.
“It was at this point that I took one heavy breath and resigned to fate.”
Narrating further he said “few minutes later they came to me where I was lying, dragged me up and that was the begining of a 4-day nomadic lifestyle.
“There are 11 of them, all of Fulani origin. Tall and skinny, they have 4 AK 47 rifle, axe, hoe and machetes. Their commander, a mid size guy with so much authority in his voice speaks good English, pidgin, Fulani and Igbo.”
Explaining the routine of the kidnappers in their camp, he stated that “they wake up at 5:30am in the morning, pack their belongings (food, pot, plates and folded sack which they sleep on) and hand it over to the victims then journey and settle before farmers arrive in their farms.
“At 8pm in the evening we journey again to avoid tracked to the point where phone calls were made during the day.
“They offer one meal of either rice made with red oil, yam harvested in the bush with oil or garri for drinking. These foods are offered once in a day.”
How these abductors carry out their subsequent attacks
According to Mr. Peter, “two attacks were launched while I was in their captive. This fateful day, we journeyed from a bush in Ogbeke to Agu Opi, Nsukka local government area of Enugu state; then settled on a hilltop at Agu Opi from where we heard sounds of moving vehicles on the road.
“The commander had a watch that beeps at every O’clock so at 3pm, eight of them left our hide out spot. At around 5pm gunshots were heard and later at night victims were brought in after which the long journeys begin.”
How to avoid being kidnapped
Narrating how to avoid falling victim of abduction especially along Nsukka/Ugwogo Nike road, Mr. Peter said that”the best time to use the Ugwogo /Opi Nsukka road is 9am – 1pm. This is because there are lots of farmland close to the small bushes along the road with one or two farms worked on.
“They position themselves along the road at distances enough to accommodate lots of vehicles so while one is shooting in front, the other is shooting at the back.
“While they are positioned waiting to strike, their members are staged in the right side of the bush if you’re coming from Nsukka.
“So when they strike, people who escape from their car and run into the bush for safety are ambushed and kidnapped.
“People who run into the opposite side are always safe.
“You’re likely to fall a victim if you’re coming from Nsukka because it will be easier to take you into their camp located at the right side of the bush if you’re coming from Nsukka.
“Remove victims from Whatsapp groups.
“Negotiate from so little and as a negotiator don’t ever stop begging. If you sound mean on them, your person bears the brunt. They beat their victims.”
Appreciating those who who helped in his release, Mr. Peter said ” I give all glory to God. He gave me a second chance to life through you all gentle men and ladies. What helped me is your prayers and funds.
“I couldn’t have begged for a better family than this. You took it personal and ensured my release. Lots of persons here worked round the clock to ensure I come out unharmed and yes I did.
“You all donated generously and from the depth of my heart I say a resounding thank you. Thank you and thank you again. The gratitude of my heart is forever yours.