According to a report by Sahara Reporters on Monday, February 19, 2024, in a shocking incident, hoodlums have reportedly abducted a corpse and the grieving family members who were accompanying the remains of a deceased man to his country home.
The incident occurred in Ameze Owerre, a community in the Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.
According to available information, the kidnappers swiftly swooped down on the family members, brandishing firearms, and forcibly took them away along with the lifeless body.
The deceased, Mr. Ugwuanyi Israel, had passed away in Lagos, and his remains were being transported to Umabor community in Nsukka LGA when tragedy struck.
The kidnappers have reportedly made contact with the family, demanding an exorbitant ransom of N50 million for the safe release of both the family members and the deceased.
The situation has left the family in distress and fear, grappling with the unimaginable trauma of losing a loved one and facing the ruthless demands of criminals.
Despite the harrowing experience, the police in Enugu have stated that they had no prior information about such an incident.
However, local reports continue to circulate, asserting that the kidnappers intercepted the vehicle carrying the corpse and its passengers at Umuoka in the Udi local government of Enugu State.
The driver, along with everyone else in the vehicle, including family members, fell victim to the brazen abduction.
A family member, speaking to Ikenga Online, recounted the terrifying events.
“His corpse was on its way from Lagos yesterday (Sunday) when the vehicle conveying his body was halted by kidnappers. People in the vehicle, including the driver, were all kidnapped at Umuoka in Udi LGA of Enugu State. The kidnappers have called the family and demanded a staggering N50 million ransom.”
The gravity of the situation has drawn attention from human rights advocates and concerned citizens.
Prof Chidi Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), shared the disturbing report on his social media platform.
His post read:
“Israel Ugwuanyi died in Lagos. Yesterday, family members were conveying his remains to Ameze Owerre, Umabor community in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State in SE Nigeria when kidnappers accosted them along with his lifeless body. They are now demanding N50 million in ransom.”
