Two farmers and a motorcyclist have been rescued in Ohuhu, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State, after suspected kidnappers abducted them during a farm attack on Wednesday. The victims were freed following a swift intervention by community youths and local vigilantes.
Source gathered that the incident occurred near Umuawa Alaocha, close to the proposed Federal Housing Estate site along Umuahia-Uzuakoli Road. The farmers, Mrs Onyinyechi Ekechukwu and 20-year-old Izuchukwu Okechi, both from Umuezerola-Umuawa-Alaocha, were working on their farm at Nkpu-ala when six armed men, said to be Fulani herdsmen, stormed the area at about 5:00 p.m. and dragged them into the bush.
Trouble deepened when a family member arrived on a motorcycle to help transport harvested produce. He was reportedly ambushed by the kidnappers and abducted as well. He sustained machete cuts to his head and hand before being rescued.
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The kidnappers soon called using the woman’s phone and demanded N10 million ransom. But Ohuhu youths refused to wait. Armed with machetes, clubs, and hunters’ dogs, youths from Nkwoegwu, Umuire, Umuosu, Akpahia and other communities launched a coordinated search through the surrounding forests, shouting the victims’ names.
According to community sources, the noise and rowdy movement forced the attackers to flee and abandon the victims. All three were found alive in a nearby bush not far from where they were taken. The injured motorcyclist was rushed to a nearby medical facility for treatment.
Abia State Police Public Relations Officer, Maureen Chinaka, confirmed the rescue. She said operatives from Ohuhu Divisional Police Headquarters, working with vigilantes, forest guards, and youths, entered the bush immediately after the report was received. The suspects fled on sighting security operatives. She added that investigations are ongoing to track down the fleeing kidnappers.
The attack has heightened fear among residents of Ohuhu. Hon. Anderson Akaliro, member representing Umuahia North in the Abia State House of Assembly, has joined efforts to mobilize youths and strengthen security in the area. He addressed a security meeting early Thursday and said steps are being taken to prevent a repeat.
The President of Ohuhu Welfare Union Youth Wing, Iheanacho Uchenna Gavin, praised the youths for their bravery. He said their unity and quick action proved that Ohuhu youths remain dependable defenders of the community.
Residents are now calling on security agencies to increase surveillance and patrols around farms and major routes in Umuahia North to curb future kidnap attacks in Abia State.
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