A wave of kidnappings has gripped the South-East region of Nigeria, leaving a trail of fear, death, and destruction in its wake. The five states that make up the zone have been plagued by the unending spate of abductions, with no week passing without reports of innocent travelers being taken by daredevil kidnappers.
The kidnappers, often referred to as unknown gunmen or herdsmen, have turned forests and bushes into terror zones, where victims are held, tortured, and sometimes killed. Despite efforts by security agents to comb the forests and bushes, the kidnappers remain a potent force, striking fear into the hearts of residents.
In Abia State, recent attacks and killings have challenged the efforts of the government to tackle insecurity. Governor Alex Otti’s administration has courageously taken on the kidnappers, raiding their hideouts and uncovering chilling evidence of their crimes.
During a recent raid on the Lokpanta Cattle Market in Umunneochi council area, security operatives discovered 50 decomposing bodies and 20 headless corpses, as well as shallow graves and abandoned vehicles belonging to kidnapped victims. The Abia State government described the findings as “shocking” and “a tip of the iceberg” of what could be found in other forests and bushes in the zone.
The kidnappings have had a devastating impact on the region, with communities abandoned and deserted, and residents living in constant fear. The forests and bushes, once safe havens, have become no-go areas, nicknamed “Sambisa forests” by locals.
The situation has sparked widespread outrage and calls for urgent action to address the insecurity plaguing the South-East region.
