41 years old Ajah Chibuzor, his family, and 2 others have been kidnapped by suspected Fulani Herdsmen, News About Nigeria reports.
The abduction took place along Mile 2 area of Ishiagu/Okigwe expressed way, in Ivo local government area, Ebonyi state at about 5:10 pm, Tuesday.
The incident occurred as the victims made their way from the Enugu Airport in an airport taxi with reg no KWL 941 PD
Chibuzor who was with his wife and 12-year-old daughter in the taxi at the time of the incident was abducted together with the taxi driver. It was also revealed that a farmer was also abducted while the kidnappers were taking their victims away.
The taxi was abandoned at the scene of the kidnap but was recovered and taken to Ishiagu police station.
Ivo local government area has reportedly witnessed the kidnap of 20 persons and 4 deaths in the area, in the last four months with all linked to Fulani herdsmen.
In March, women in the community staged a protest against killings and kidnappings by Fulani Herdsmen. The Local Government Chairman, Emmanuel Ajah during the time of the protest said that Fulani Herdsmen who lived in their bushes, had been terrorizing the people and that security agencies needed to raid the bushes for the attacks to come to an end.
He mentioned that the DSS, Commissioner of Police and OC Nkwagu military cantonment have been made aware of the situation.
Expressing his sadness over the occurrence in the community, Hon. Ike Cletus, Special Assistant to Ebonyi state governor in Ivo local government area, described the situation as unfortunate and stated that the non-functionality of local vigilante groups in the area is the cause.
He said, “It is unfortunate that Ivo local government has become a safe haven for kidnappers and other criminal elements. We have a non-functional vigilante group in the local government. You hardly see them anywhere in the local government yet money is spent on them monthly without any fruitful result.”
