A man named Godwin Anuka, who was kidnapped along with his wife and two children in the Ubulu-Uku area of Delta State, was tragically killed in front of his family by suspected kidnappers.
Harrison Gwamnishu, the Senior Special Assistant on Civil Society and Youth Mobilisation to the Delta State Governor, shared this information in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
According to Gwamnishu, the kidnappers had initially abducted two people on March 23 and taken them into the forest while demanding ransom. While hiding in the bush with their captives, they came across Anuka and his family working on their farm and decided to abduct them as well.
He explained that the same group of five armed individuals was responsible for multiple kidnappings in the area, including the abduction of Chibueze from Ogwashi-Uku and another victim, Mr. Afam. The kidnappers moved through different locations before setting up a hideout in the forest, where they later encountered and captured Anuka and his family.
After taking them hostage, the abductors demanded ransom. In response, local authorities, led by Aniocha South Local Government Chairman, Hon. Pastor Jude Chukwunwike, mobilized security forces, including the Ubulu-Uku Central Vigilante team and the Nigerian Army, to attempt a rescue operation.
Despite these efforts, Anuka was ultimately killed. Gwamnishu revealed that after a significant ransom was paid, the kidnappers released some of the hostages, including Chibueze, Mr. Afam, Anuka’s wife, and their two children. However, it was later revealed that Anuka had been shot and killed on the farm in the presence of his family.
Attempts to reach Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, for comments were unsuccessful, as he had not responded to calls or messages at the time of filing this report.
Drivetvnews reported earlier that Gwamnishu had raised concerns over the rising cases of kidnapping in certain parts of Delta State, allegedly carried out by criminal groups. He also referred to the case of Esther Osaze, a female land agent who was kidnapped and later found dead.
Gwamnishu further lamented that several kidnapped victims remain in captivity because their families cannot afford the ransom demands.
