Gunmen Abduct Mother, Three Sons While Harvesting Cassava In Enugu -

Suspected gunmen have abducted a mother and her three sons while they were harvesting cassava on their family farmland in Ugbene Ajima, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The victims were identified as Mrs Bridget Okey and her sons, Chukwubuike Okeh, 14; Chukwuemeka Okeh; and Chijioke Okeh.

The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Nwiyi Ivuruge, along the route leading to Umualogo Village in Nkpologu community, which shares a boundary with Ugbene Ajima.

Reports indicate that the family had gone to their farmland to harvest cassava when they were seized by the armed men and taken to an unknown destination.

A community leader, Sam Otti, popularly known by his chieftaincy title, Ikeoha Ugbene, has appealed to the Enugu State Government and security agencies to urgently intervene and secure the victims’ release.

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Otti disclosed that the incident had been reported to local vigilantes, forest guards and the police. He also urged the relevant authorities to deploy all necessary resources to ensure the safe return of the abducted family.

He condemned the increasing insecurity in rural communities, describing the abduction of innocent children for financial gain as barbaric. He warned that farmlands and villages should not become hunting grounds for criminal elements.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Barrister Chijioke Ezugwu, visited the scene on Saturday and assured residents that efforts were being made to rescue the victims.

The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of farmers and rural residents in Enugu State, particularly those who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods.