In an unprecedented and harrowing event, a group of kidnappers has reportedly abducted both a corpse and the family members transporting it from Lagos to its final resting place in Ameze Owerre, Umabor community within the Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. The captors have since contacted the deceased’s family, placing a staggering N50 million ransom demand for the return of their loved one’s body and the release of the abducted family members.
This distressing incident occurred as the family was moving the remains of Mr. Ugwuanyi Israel, who had passed away in Lagos, through Umuoka in the Udi Local Government Area of Enugu. It was during this solemn journey that the armed kidnappers intercepted the vehicle, abducting those inside along with the corpse, according to reports.
A family member, speaking to Ikenga Online, detailed the ordeal: “His corpse was on its way from Lagos yesterday (Sunday) when the vehicle conveying his body was halted by kidnappers, and people in the vehicle alongside the driver were all kidnapped at Umuoka Udi LGA of Enugu State. The kidnappers have called the family and demanded a N50 million ransom.”
Adding to the widespread concern over this incident, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), shared the story on his X account, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the kidnappers’ ransom demand.
Despite the alarming nature of these reports, the Enugu State Police Command has yet to confirm the incident. When approached for comment, the Command’s spokesperson, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, expressed unawareness of the abduction, stating, “Honestly, I don’t have any such report.”
This unusual and chilling case of kidnapping, involving not just living victims but also a deceased individual, has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond, highlighting the audacity and cruelty of kidnappers operating within the region. The demand for a ransom for a corpse is a stark reminder of the depths to which criminal elements will stoop to exploit families in mourning, exacerbating their grief and desperation.
