Youths rescue female trader from kidnappers in Imo

Brave youths of Umuokanne in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State have successfully rescued a female trader, Mrs. Obiageli Oguguo, from a kidnappers’ den inside Oforola forest.

The incident occurred on Monday morning when Mrs. Oguguo, a native of Ilile, was abducted while on her way to the market for her garri trading.

Witnesses who saw the kidnapping quickly alerted the traditional ruler, who wasted no time in rallying support for a rescue operation.

According to sources, the Umuokanne youths, who had already been organized into a local security team, swiftly mobilized and stormed the kidnappers’ hideout, securing the trader’s release.

Recounting the incident, the traumatised woman said she was kidnapped around 6am by three three Fulani people. “They (Umuokanne youths) freed me just now, March 3rd, 2025”.

The traditional ruler of Umuokanne, Eze (Dr) Chiedoziem Nwokoma confirmed the incident to LEADERSHIP.

Eze Nwokoma who doubles as the chairman of the Security and Conflict Resolution committee of the Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers confirmed that the youths from his kingdom rescued the woman unhurt from her abductors.

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He praised the Umuokanne youths, saying the woman was abducted while on a motorbike heading to early morning market on market day.

“As a former Assistant Commissioner of Police who resigned to become a traditional ruler for his people, I’m all out to ensure the safety of our people.

“The woman was kidnapped when she was heading to the market where she trades to make small profit to support her family. It was her kidnap that triggered the youths to comb the forest, especially the Oforola side where there had been repeated cases of kidnap.

“Our youths rescued her and I’m extremely proud of our youths for their commitment to ensure Umuokanne is safe.

“She is back home to her family while our security people are working round the clock to comb the forests and rid it of criminal elements. Umuokanne is not a place for criminals or criminality. I charge such people to turn a new leaf because our community must remain safe for our people and other residents.

“Let me quickly add that we will leave no stone unturned to stop kidnapping in Umuokanne and Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area.

“People know that Umuokanne is the safest place in Imo State. If any of our people goes into crime, the person will be exposed and die within three years.

“If any Umuokanne person does kidnapping, he will not last one year before death happens. Our people know this caveat and go extra mile to stay away from criminality. And that’s why this is the safest place in the State”, Eze Nwokoma said.