Enugu Horror: Priestess and Worshippers Abducted During River Rituals by Suspected Herdsmen
By SpringNewsNG Media Limited | April 18, 2025
Eyewitness reports, including details from prominent Enugu media personality Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, reveal that the abduction occurred on Wednesday night, April 16, 2025, while the victims were engaged in a religious ceremony dedicated to the river goddess, commonly known in local traditions as Mammy Water.
“They were at the river performing what they called their usual water and Fanta offering when Fulani herdsmen appeared and took them all—including the Ezenwanyi—at gunpoint,” Ugwuanyi reported on social media.
Four Farmers Also Kidnapped in Same Community
Tragically, the ritual abduction wasn’t an isolated case. On the same night, four local cashew farmers were also kidnapped while working on their farms near the same area. Sources say that the abductions occurred within hours of each other, throwing the entire Obehe Orba community into panic and fear.
N50 Million Ransom Demanded, Later Reduced to N15 Million
Following the kidnappings, the perpetrators reportedly made contact with the families of the victims. Initially demanding ₦50 million in ransom, the amount was later negotiated down to ₦15 million, though it remains unclear whether negotiations are ongoing or the victims have been released.
Senator Okey Ezea Raises Alarm Over Insecurity
Senator Okey Ezea, who represents the Enugu North Senatorial District, voiced serious concerns over what he described as a rising tide of kidnappings and herdsmen invasions in the region.
“Kidnappers and armed herdsmen have practically taken over communities across Nsukka and other parts of Enugu North. It’s a state of emergency in disguise,” Ezea stated.
Local leaders and residents are calling on the Enugu State Government and Federal security agencies to immediately intervene and rescue the victims while putting an end to the increasing wave of violent crimes in rural communities.
