Gunmen Kidnap Road Safety Corps Official, Seek ₦50 Million Ransom

Gunmen have abducted an official of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), identified as Emeason Chima, in Enugu State. Chima, attached to the RS4.211 Ugbokolo unit of the FRSC, was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday near Maduka University in Nsukka.

According to a senior FRSC official, the kidnappers are demanding a ransom of ₦50 million to secure Chima’s release. The official, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the press, stated that Chima was driving alone when he was ambushed and taken by the assailants.

An internal memo within the FRSC confirmed the abduction, stating that the gunmen used the officer’s phone to communicate their demand. Emmanuel Al-Hassan, Ugbokolo unit commander, detailed the incident in the memo: “The Command is in receipt of information about the kidnap of SRMA Emeason Chima. The incident occurred along Enugu Road near Maduka University, through the OPI junction in Nsukka, Enugu State. The staff was reportedly driving a Toyota saloon car alone when the kidnapping took place.”

The commander further noted that the abductors had demanded ₦50 million as ransom and that further updates would follow as more information became available.

The South-East region of Nigeria has seen a surge in violent incidents and kidnappings by armed groups, contributing to a growing sense of insecurity. These assailants have been involved in numerous abductions, extortion, and sometimes fatal attacks on victims. Government personnel, security forces, and civilians alike have been targeted in the wave of violence that has swept through the region.

The Nigerian government has pointed to the pro-Biafra group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as being responsible for some of these violent activities. However, IPOB has consistently denied any involvement in the attacks.