Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The quiet community of Ezimo in Udenu Local Government Area of Enugu State has been thrown into grief after a recently freed kidnap victim, 50-year-old Agnes Obetta, died from complications reportedly triggered by shock just hours after regaining her freedom.
Mrs. Obetta was among several people abducted while returning from a burial ceremony, an incident that added to the growing anxiety in rural communities grappling with insecurity. Her death came on the same day the Nigerian Army rescued 14 abducted persons during a clearance operation in Orokam Forest in Benue State, a border area notorious for criminal activities. Seven of the rescued individuals were residents of Ezimo, while others were reportedly kidnapped outside the community, including two from neighbouring Umuosigide.
Family members say the tragedy unfolded shortly after ransom was collected for her release. According to a family source, moments after the captives were freed, “there were g¥nshots not far from the bush where they were kept,” causing the frightened victims to scatter for safety. When they regrouped later that night, Mrs. Obetta was nowhere to be found.
Her son and some villagers launched a search the following morning and found her lying unconscious in the bush. She was rushed to a hospital in Orokam but had to be referred to another facility in Obollo-Afor due to complications linked to extremely high blood pressure. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, she could not be revived. Reports also indicate that the captives were poorly fed throughout their time in captivity, a situation that likely worsened her condition.
Local political leader, Mr. Hillary Onah, has called for full disclosure of the circumstances surrounding her death, noting that the community deserves clarity following the chaotic rescue. He revealed that Mrs. Obetta’s first son was still in the kidnappers’ custody while they were “counting the ransom when g¥nshots rang out from what was believed to be a rescue team.” According to him, the gunfire caused the abductors to flee “in p@nic with the ransom,” forcing the victims to scatter in confusion.
As Ezimo mourns, residents are demanding answers and better protection. Mrs. Obetta’s death has once again underscored the human cost of insecurity in rural communities—where even freedom does not always guarantee survival, and where families continue to navigate the trauma of violence that lingers long after kidnappers have fled the forest.
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