The Chairman of Igbo-Eze South LGA, Barr. Ugo Ferdinand Ukwueze, on Friday, confirmed that the nine persons abducted from the local government area have been rescued.
Recall that the nine persons, including two Reverend Sisters, were kidnapped on Saturday, 26 April, 2025, between the hours of 8 and 9 pm in Eburumiri, Ibagwa-Aka, within Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area.
Providing an update on the incident, Ukwueze said the only purpose of the criminals was to terrorise “our people and violate the sanctity of our communities.”
According to him, “following the incident, a quick response was immediately initiated through superlative coordinations from the Enugu State Government.
“Our boundary neighbours of Nsukka Local Government Area and those of Kogi State communities were of immense help as they offered cooperations to the multiple security formations that participated in the rescue operations.
“Within 24 hours, I am pleased to report that three of the abductees were successfully rescued through the courageous efforts of these operatives.
“As of today, the 2nd day of May, 2025, all nine persons have been rescued and are now undergoing necessary medical evaluation and psychological support to be reunited with their families.”
While describing the incident as unacceptable, the Chairman vowed that security operations were still on-going to identify, pursue, and apprehend the perpetrators of this reprehensible act.
He said the abduction of innocent persons, religious and civilian, was not merely a criminal offence but an assault on “our collective dignity, our communal peace, and the very conscience of society. No grievance, real or imagined, justifies such a despicable act.”
“As the Chief Security Officer of this Local Government Area, I stand today not only to inform, but to reassure every citizen of Igbo-Eze South that this incident has neither broken our will nor weakened our resolve to defend and protect our people.
“We are committed to ensuring that those behind this criminality face the full force of the law. There shall be no hiding place for criminals in Igbo-Eze South.
“Our intelligence network has been activated, and collaboration with state formations remains robust and uncompromising.
“It is imperative at this point to place on public record our profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his swift mobilisation of security resources and moral support, which reinforced our response capabilities in real-time.
“The promptness of the state government’s intervention sends a strong message that criminality of any form has no place within the borders of Enugu State.
“Equally deserving of recognition are the officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force, the Military and more intimately, our Igbo-Eze South Neighbourhood Watch operatives as well as the members of the Forest Guards; gallant local men who risk their lives daily to safeguard our communities.
“Their commitment, agility, and local intelligence network were instrumental in tracking movements and achieving these rescues. Their bravery must not go unnoticed. We thank you for your sacrifice and your patriotism.
“Let me end by reminding all criminally minded individuals that Igbo-Eze South is not a safe haven for their enterprise.
“The full weight of our laws and structures shall come down hard on anyone who threatens our peace and the safety of our people. And to our dear citizens, be vigilant, be courageous, and be assured that this government will never abandon you,” he vowed.
