Kidnapped Enugu Woman Reportedly Dies From Shock After Rescue

Kidnapped Enugu Woman Reportedly Dies From Shock After Rescue.

A woman abducted in Ezimo, Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State, has died from shock shortly after regaining her freedom. 

The victim, identified as 50-year-old Agnes Obetta, was among those kidnapped while returning from a burial.

Her death comes after the Nigerian Army rescued 14 abducted persons during a clearance operation on Friday, December 5, at Orokam Forest in Benue State, which shares a border with Udenu LGA. 

Seven of the rescued victims were Ezimo natives, while eight others were abducted outside the community, including two from neighbouring Umuosigide.

A family source said Mrs Obetta died shortly after her kidnappers collected ransom for her release. 

“Shortly after her release alongside others, there were gunshots not far from the bush where they were kept,” the source explained. “The newly freed victims ran for safety. When they regrouped later that night for the journey home, she was missing.”

Her son and some villagers returned the next morning to search for her and found her unconscious. She was taken to a hospital in Orokam but was referred to another facility in Obollo-Afor due to complications. 

Her blood pressure was said to be extremely high, and despite efforts by medical personnel, she did not survive. It was also gathered that the captives were poorly fed while in captivity.

A political leader in Udenu LGA, Mr. Hillary Onah, called for full disclosure of the events surrounding her death. He claimed that Mrs Obetta’s first son was still with the kidnappers as they counted the ransom when gunshots rang out from what was believed to be a rescue team. 

According to him, the kidnappers fled with the ransom in panic while victims scattered into the bush.

Onah said the community deserves clarity on what transpired during the rescue, given the tragic outcome.