Sources told Saharareporters that while three passengers managed to escape during the attack, six others were taken into captivity by the assailants. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Ignatius Ewenike.
At least six passengers, including a driver, were abducted along the Nsukka–Adani Road in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State SaharaReporters learnt on Monday.
It was gathered that the incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, December 26, 2025, when a fully loaded mini bus registered with the Enugu State Transport Company (ENTRACO) was intercepted by the gunmen near Adani community, a stretch of the highway that residents have described as notorious for criminal activities.
Sources told Saharareporters that while three passengers managed to escape during the attack, six others were taken into captivity by the assailants. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Ignatius Ewenike.
A community leader in Adani, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the abduction and blamed the incident on early-morning travel along the route.
“That road is very dangerous, especially in the early hours of the day,” the community leader said. “At night, police officers usually patrol the area. By daytime, the local vigilante group takes over. On that particular morning, the driver was warned not to move so early until the vigilantes resumed duty, but he ignored the advice.”
According to the source, the attackers emerged suddenly and forced the bus to stop before herding the victims into the nearby bush.
“The gunmen blocked the road and intercepted the vehicle. Some passengers ran into the bush and escaped, but six of them, including the driver, were not so lucky,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no indication that the abductors had contacted the families of the victims to demand ransom.
Residents of the area have expressed renewed fears over security on the Nsukka–Adani axis, calling on security agencies to maintain a consistent presence on the road.
“This route is very important because many people use it daily,” the community leader added. “We are appealing to the government and security agencies to ensure that security is not withdrawn at any time, whether at night or during the day.”
Efforts to obtain an official response from the Enugu State Police Command were unsuccessful. Calls and text messages sent to the command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, were not returned as of press time.
The incident comes amid growing concerns over kidnapping and violent crimes in parts of Enugu State, despite repeated assurances by security agencies that efforts are being intensified to protect commuters and residents.
SaharaReporters previously reported that the state governor Peter Mbah on December 1, unveiled two security drones and a fleet of operational vehicles as part of renewed efforts to tackle violent crimes across the state.
“The number of drones and vehicles here is not enough. We need more. We must overwhelm criminals with superior technology and rapid response capability,” he said.