In a shocking development, Rev. Fr. Gerald Ohaeri, a Roman Catholic priest serving in the Nsukka Diocese, has been abducted by suspected hoodlums along the infamous Ugwuogo-Opi Nsukka Road.
The Trumpet gathered that Fr. Ohaeri was returning to his parish in Isienu-Nsukka from Enugu, the state capital, when the unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday evening, November 30, 2024. The road, notorious for its history of criminal activities, has once again become a flashpoint for insecurity, leaving residents and travelers gripped by fear.
Reports indicate that the priest was not the only victim, although the exact number of people abducted remains unclear. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the same criminal gang also attempted to kidnap a prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) earlier in the day.
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A viral video circulating on social media captured the dramatic moment security escorts of the Deputy Governor of Enugu State arrived at the scene in a bid to intervene. Despite the heavy presence of security personnel along the road, the area continues to be a hotspot for kidnappers, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of measures taken to ensure public safety.
As of the time of filing this report, efforts to reach DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the spokesman of the Enugu State Police Command, for a comment have been unsuccessful. Similarly, the Catholic Diocese of Nsukka is yet to release an official statement addressing the abduction of Rev. Fr. Ohaeri.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and travelers, who are demanding immediate action from security agencies to curb the alarming rise in kidnappings along the route. The Ugwuogo-Opi Nsukka Road, once a vital link for commuters, has now become a perilous journey fraught with danger.
