The Enugu State Government has deployed a fleet of security drones in response to the alarming rise in kidnappings and violent attacks across several communities, especially within Udenu Local Government Area.

The drones—equipped with long-range surveillance systems, real-time tracking capabilities, and options for weaponized attachments—were unveiled at the command and control centre inside the Government House. Officials say the technology is intended to identify criminal hideouts, monitor movement through dense forest corridors, and support coordinated security operations across the state.

Government sources confirmed that drone patrols have already begun along major border zones, including Udenu, Nsukka, Uzo-Uwani, and Isi-Uzo—areas that have come under repeated assaults by criminal gangs posing as bandits and armed herders.

The deployment follows a surge in abductions in Udenu, with the latest incident occurring in the Iyi-Nzu area of Ezimo, where multiple residents were kidnapped. Communities such as Ezimo, Amaogbelle-Ulo, Obollo-Afor, Imilike, and Umuosigide have endured relentless attacks, forcing families to pay ransoms and driving many farmers away from farmlands out of fear.

“We can’t sleep anymore. Our people are being kidnapped on the roads and even near their homes,” a resident of Ezimo told SaharaReporters, describing a climate of fear gripping the community.

Tension in Ezimo After Weekend Attacks
On Monday, SaharaReporters reported heightened tension across Ezimo, the hometown of Deputy Governor Ifeanyi Ossai, following violent attacks over the weekend. Gunmen shot several women and abducted multiple residents in separate incidents across Ezimo and the neighbouring Obollo-Eke community.

One of the attacks, witnesses said, took place just metres away from a military checkpoint on the Ikem–Obollo-Afor federal road. Despite the presence of security personnel, the gunmen reportedly operated unhindered for hours, firing at vehicles and carting away captives before escaping toward the Benue border through bush paths.

Video clips obtained by SaharaReporters show wounded women being rushed to hospital, and vehicles riddled with bullets—visual evidence of the intensity of the assault.

A resident, Marcel Ossia, described the persistent violence as “a daily nightmare,” lamenting that the crisis has not received the attention it deserves from government and the wider public.

Ezimo Women Protest at Deputy Governor’s Residence
On Monday morning, dozens of women from Ezimo marched through the community to the residence of the Deputy Governor, demanding urgent government intervention. Carrying out a peaceful demonstration, they expressed anger, fear, and exhaustion over the recurring attacks, particularly those targeting women traveling for social events or family engagements.

“Our Ezimo women have gathered peacefully in front of the Deputy Governor’s residence to express their deep pain and frustration,” a resident wrote in a message shared with SaharaReporters.

“Ezimo people are no longer safe. With recent kidnappings, shootings, and the fear that has overtaken our villages, the women are demanding urgent government intervention.”

He emphasized that the protest was not confrontational but a desperate plea for protection.
“This is a cry for help, a call for protection, and a reminder that our communities cannot continue to live in fear,” he added.