A mother and her three children have been kidnapped by suspected gunmen while harvesting cassava on their family farm in Ugbene Ajima, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The victims were identified as Mrs Bridget Okey and her sons, Chukwubuike Okeh, 14, Chukwuemeka Okeh and Chijioke Okeh.
The incident occurred on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at Nwiyi Ivuruge, along the road leading to Umualogo Village in Nkpologu community, which shares a boundary with Ugbene Ajima.
The family was reportedly working on their farmland when the assailants stormed the area, seized the woman and her children and took them to an unknown destination.
Reacting to the incident, a community leader, Sam Otti, known by his traditional title, Ikeoha Ugbene, appealed to the state government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the victims’ release.
Otti said the abduction had been reported to local vigilantes, forest guards and the police, urging the Enugu State Government, Uzo-Uwani Local Government Council and other relevant authorities to mobilise resources for an immediate rescue operation.
He described the abduction of the mother and her children as disturbing, particularly the involvement of minors, and called for urgent action to ensure their safe return.
The community leader also expressed concern over the growing security threats facing rural settlements, warning that farmers should be able to carry out their agricultural activities without fear of being attacked or kidnapped.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Barrister Chijioke Ezugwu, visited the scene on Saturday and assured residents that efforts were being made to secure the victims’ release.
The incident has heightened concerns over the safety of rural communities in Enugu State, particularly farmers who are increasingly exposed to security threats while working on their farmlands.
