Tragedy struck along the 9th Mile Road in the Umuoka community of Udi Local Government Area, Enugu State, as gunmen intercepted a vehicle transporting the remains of Ugwuanyi Israel, kidnapping both the deceased’s corpse and accompanying family members.
Israel, a native of Ameze Owerre, Umabor community in Nsukka local government area of Enugu State, passed away in Lagos. His family was conveying his body to their hometown for burial when the harrowing incident occurred.
According to reports, the kidnappers halted the vehicle and seized Israel’s corpse along with the occupants, demanding a ransom of N50 million for their release.
A family source revealed that the kidnappers have made contact with the family, heightening fears over the condition of the deceased’s body and the safety of those abducted.
“Our fear is that the corpse will decompose before they release them. We don’t know what to do because our community people in Lagos spent so much money on the sickness of Israel,” the family source lamented.
The distressing incident has sparked calls for urgent intervention from security agencies and the state government to ensure the safe return of the abducted individuals and the timely burial of Ugwuanyi Israel.
As the community grapples with shock and anguish, efforts are underway to navigate the delicate situation and secure the release of the victims, underscoring the persistent threat posed by insecurity in the region.
