In a shocking turn of events on Christmas Day, kidnappers reportedly abducted all passengers traveling home for the holiday along Isu Road in Awka, Anambra State.

According to eyewitnesses, the three private cars were making their way to various destinations when the assailants ambushed the vehicles at a secluded part of the road.

Armed with weapons, the kidnappers swiftly took control of the cars and abducted all passengers onboard.

The police have yet to confirm the incident as of the time of this report.

Sources, however, suggest that the group included families and individuals traveling to celebrate the Christmas holiday.

This latest abduction is part of an unsettling trend of kidnapping cases across southeastern Nigeria, where such incidents have been on the rise in recent months.

As Christians across the globe celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, the apex Igbo cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has expressed deep sadness over the continued detention of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In a statement issued by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of the Chidi Ibeh-led faction of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the group extended warm Christmas wishes to all Ndigbo, both at home and in the diaspora.

However, Isiguzoro lamented the prolonged detention of Kanu, calling it a source of great concern.

He criticized the ongoing detention, stating that key political figures, including two serving governors and a former governor from the region, were responsible for Kanu’s continued confinement.

According to Isiguzoro, these leaders are more focused on their personal political ambitions for the 2027 vice presidential race than on securing Kanu’s release.

Isiguzoro accused these leaders of publicly proclaiming support for Kanu’s release, while privately pressuring President Bola Ahmed Tinubu not to release him.

He described their actions as hypocritical and labeled them as enemies of the Igbo people.

The statement further highlighted that the political maneuvering and lack of action on Kanu’s case are contributing to the instability and violence in the Southeast.

Isiguzoro emphasized that the escalating insecurity in the region is partly due to the failure of these leaders to fulfill their responsibilities while benefiting from security votes.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is firmly against the indifference displayed by some of these politicians regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s release,” Isiguzoro stated.

“One governor’s neutral stance only serves to underline their selfish focus on personal political gain, rather than addressing the pressing issues affecting our people.”

Tensions have risen in Anambra State following the kidnapping of Hon. Justice Azuka, a lawmaker representing the Onitsha North State Constituency.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 pm on Tuesday, along Igwunakpamkpa Road, as Azuka was returning home.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the abduction and assured that security measures have been put in place to ensure the lawmaker’s safe return and to apprehend those responsible.

Ikenga stated, “The Anambra Police Command has launched operational strategies to facilitate the rescue of Hon. Justice Azuka and to capture the criminals behind the abduction. Preliminary reports indicate that the abduction took place on 24/12/2024 at around 9:20 pm along Ugwunapampa Road. We are currently following leads to assist in his rescue.”

In a related development, the Anambra State Police Command reported the arrest of 32-year-old Chukwuma Obi from Umuagu Village, Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, on charges of attempted kidnapping and extortion.

The arrest occurred on Tuesday by operatives from the Anti-Cultism Squad in Enugu-Ukwu.

Obi is accused of demanding a ransom of ₦1,200,000, threatening the victim with abduction and claiming to be affiliated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Police spokesperson Ikenga explained, “The victim received a threat message from Obi, demanding that the ransom be paid into a designated account. Upon questioning, Obi admitted to the crime and is currently assisting authorities in identifying additional gang members involved in similar activities.”

Authorities also referred to a similar case last month, where a couple was arrested for extorting victims under the pretense of planned kidnappings. Investigations into both cases are ongoing.

The Enugu State chapter of the Action Alliance (AA) has urged Ndi Enugu to find strength in the spirit of the season despite the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria.

Leader of the party in the state, Barr. C.D. Ogbe, stated this in a message made available to DAILY GAZETTE on Wednesday.

Barr. Ogbe reminded Ndi Enugu that the birth of Christ symbolizes the liberation of mankind from the chains of despair and hopelessness.

“As we commemorate the birth of Christ in Enugu State, amidst the heart-wrenching challenges facing Nigeria, I pray that we find solace in the fact that His birth heralded the liberation of mankind from the shackles of hopelessness and despair,” he stated.

He further encouraged Enugu residents to embody the selfless nature of Christ during this festive season.

“In replicating the selfless character of Christ, as we have been commanded to do, I urge Ndi Enugu to be their brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, showing love and compassion to all,” he added, emphasizing that love is the cornerstone of Christianity.

Barr. Ogbe wished the residents of the state a joyful and peaceful Christmas celebration, reminding them that unity and love are key to overcoming the difficult times facing the nation.

In the spirit of the Christmas celebration, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Second Coming Gas Nig. Ltd, Dr. Basil Ogbuanu, has donated a 300KVA transformer to the Onuorie Obuno community in Akpugo, Nkanu West LGA, Enugu State, to help improve electricity supply in the area.

The transformer, which will be commissioned on Friday at the Community Square, Onuorie Obuno at 11am, by the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, is expected to attract other eminent personalities, including the Member representing Nkanu East/West in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji; the Executive Chairman of Nkanu West LGA, Hon. John Ogbodo; traditional rulers; community members; friends; and well-wishers, among others.

Speaking to DAILY GAZETTE on Wednesday, Dr. Ogbuanu explained that the gesture aims to address the longstanding power challenges faced by the residents of the community, particularly during the festive season.

The transformer is expected to provide a more stable power supply, ensuring that local businesses and households experience fewer disruptions.

“This gesture is a small token of my support to our community. It is my hope that this will make a significant impact on the lives of the residents, especially as we celebrate the Christmas season,” he said.

The donation is part of Dr. Ogbuanu’s continued efforts to give back to society and promote sustainable development in Enugu State.

Under his leadership, Second Coming Gas Nig. Ltd has been involved in various corporate social responsibility initiatives, focusing on education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Many are hopeful that this donation will pave the way for further improvements in local amenities and services, ensuring a brighter future for the residents of Enugu.