A survivor of a recent kidnapping incident along the notorious Ugwogo Nike–Opi–Nsukka Road in Enugu State has shared a harrowing first-hand account of his four-day ordeal at the hands of armed kidnappers, shedding new light on the tactics of criminal gangs operating in the region.

The victim, identified only as Peter, was abducted on November 29, 2025, around 5 pm, less than 100 meters from the last police checkpoint before the Ugwogo Roundabout while traveling from Nsukka to Enugu.

The Kidnapping Incident

“We were having a smooth journey when suddenly I heard heavy gunshots in front of me and behind me,” Peter recalled. “Vehicles ahead rammed into one another. I slowed down and told my colleague to run into the bush while I did the same.”

Peter’s attempt to escape was short-lived. As he ran toward a nearby building owned by the Scripture Union, close to the Camp of Grace, he was confronted by an armed man.

“I heard a loud ‘heey!’ with a gun pointed at me and I was ordered to lie down,” he said. “At that point, I took a deep breath and resigned to fate.”

Peter was dragged up moments later and forced to join other captives, marking the beginning of his “four-day nomadic lifestyle” as the kidnappers moved him through bushes and farmlands.

The Kidnap Gang

According to Peter, the gang was made up of 11 men of Fulani origin, armed with four AK-47 rifles, machetes, axes, and hoes. He described the gang’s leader as “authoritative and composed,” speaking fluent English, Pidgin, Fulfulde, and surprisingly, Igbo.

“Their commander was a mid-sized man whose voice carried authority. He coordinated everything,” Peter said.

Despite the ethnic background of the kidnappers, Peter noted that their communication was not limited to Fulani languages. This, he suggested, indicates that the gang was strategically positioned to operate across ethnic boundaries.

Survival in Captivity

Peter recounted how the gang moved him and other captives from place to place, always on the run to avoid detection.

“They woke us up by 5:30 am every day. We packed their food items, pots, and the sacks they slept on, and moved before farmers arrived on their farms,” he said. “By 8 pm, we moved again to avoid being tracked after ransom calls were made.”

Food was scarce and rationed. Peter recalled that they were given just one meal a day, which consisted of rice cooked with red oil, yam harvested from the bush with oil, or garri (cassava flakes) to drink.

Ongoing Kidnappings and Tactics

Peter also revealed that during his captivity, the kidnappers carried out at least two additional attacks along the same road. He described how the gang moved from Ogbeke bush to Agu Opi, settling on a hilltop overlooking the road.

“At exactly 3 pm, after the commander’s watch beeped, eight of them left our hideout,” he said. “By around 5 pm, we heard gunshots. Later that night, new victims were brought in, and the long journey continued.”

Advice for Travelers

Based on his experience, Peter warned motorists to exercise caution when traveling along the Ugwogo–Opi–Nsukka corridor, describing it as highly vulnerable, especially in the late afternoon and evening.

“The safest time to use that road is between 9 am and 1 pm,” he advised. “There are farms close to the bushes during that period, which discourages attacks.”

He explained that the kidnappers strategically position themselves to trap vehicles.

“They station shooters in front and at the back of traffic to block movement,” he said. “Their members hide on the right side of the bush if you’re coming from Nsukka. People who run into that side are usually ambushed.”

Peter further noted that victims heading from Nsukka are more vulnerable because the kidnappers’ camps are located on the right side of the road. He said, “Those who run to the opposite side often escape.”

Ransom Negotiations

Peter also offered advice to the families of kidnapped victims, urging them to handle ransom negotiations with caution.

“Negotiate from as low as possible and keep begging. If you sound aggressive, the victim suffers — they beat captives,” he warned.

A Message of Hope

In an emotional message after his release, Peter expressed deep gratitude to friends, family, and supporters who contributed funds and prayed for his safe return.

“I give all glory to God. He gave me a second chance at life,” Peter said. “You all took it personal and ensured my release. I couldn’t have asked for a better family.”

Despite the trauma, Peter struck a hopeful note: “From the Peter you gave a second chance to life — we keep moving.”

The account was shared on Facebook by “Senator” Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, a social media influencer, and has since sparked renewed public concern over insecurity along major highways in Enugu State.