A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the Ezimo community in Udenu LGA, Enugu State, after a recently released kidnap victim, Agnes Obetta, died from shock just hours after regaining her freedom.
On Friday, December 5, the Nigerian Army rescued 14 abducted victims during an operation in Orokam Forest, Benue State, a location that borders parts of Udenu. The victims included seven Ezimo residents kidnapped while returning from a burial, along with others seized from nearby communities, including two from Umuosigide.
However, despite regaining freedom, Agnes, aged about 50, did not survive the ordeal.
According to a family source, the kidnappers had already collected ransom for her release when gunshots suddenly erupted near the hideout. In the chaos, the freed victims fled in different directions to save their lives.
“When everyone regrouped, Agnes was missing,” the source said.
The next morning, her son and other community members found her unconscious in the bush. She was rushed to a hospital in Orokam and later referred to another facility in Obollo-Afor due to dangerously high blood pressure.
Despite multiple efforts, she could not be revived. Reports indicate that the victims were severely underfed while in captivity, worsening their physical condition.
A local PDP chieftain, Hillary Onah, called for a thorough explanation of the circumstances surrounding her death. He also revealed that Agnes’s first son remained in captivity when the gunfire broke out, causing the kidnappers to flee with the ransom.
The tragic passing of Agnes Obetta underscores the deep trauma kidnap victims endure even after release and highlights the urgent need for stronger security and rescue operations in the region.
