In a rare show of courage amid rising kidnappings across Nigeria, youths from Ohuhu Community in Abia State entered a forest and pursued suspected Fulani terrorists who had abducted two residents. After about four hours of pressure from the search team, the kidnappers fled and abandoned their captives.
The rescued victims, widow Mrs Onyinyechi Jonathan Ekechukwu and commercial tricycle operator Dennis Okechi, said they never expected to leave the forest alive.
Mrs Ekechukwu had gone to harvest cassava on June 10 and hired Okechi to take her produce home. Along the way, six armed men emerged from the bush and seized them.
“We were already riding home when we were suddenly stopped on the way by Fulani bandits who jumped out from the bush. They dragged us out of the Keke and marched us into the bush,” she said.
The kidnappers allegedly demanded ₦10 million and moved the victims through the forest for hours. Ekechukwu said she prayed constantly for survival and protection.
Rescue came when community youths, armed with torchlights and hunting dogs, launched a search mission. As gunshots and lights drew closer, the kidnappers feared they were being surrounded and fled, leaving the victims behind.
Okechi, who sustained injuries and is receiving treatment, recalled fighting back after trying to escape. “If I was going to die, I would not go down alone,” he said.
President General of Umuawa Alocha, Hon. Chimex Uluocha, said local youths acted quickly after distress calls reached the community. He praised their bravery and called for stronger support for community-based security efforts.
The Abia State Police Command confirmed the incident, saying the victims were rescued after suspects fled on sighting operatives. Police added that investigations are ongoing to apprehend the kidnappers.
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