Police rescue abducted Abia farmers, suspects flee

By Steve Oko

The Abia State Police Command has confirmed the rescue of two farmers abducted by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Ohuhu community, Umuahia North Local Government Area, following a swift joint operation involving police operatives, local vigilantes, forest guards and community youths.

The rescue operation followed rising tension in the agrarian area, where residents had launched a community-led search for the fleeing suspects after the abduction sparked panic.

The victims, natives of Akpahia near Umuezeroala, were reportedly kidnapped at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday while working on their farmland along the Umuawa Alaocha axis of Ohuhu.

The incident heightened fears in the community after a relative who went in search of the missing farmers reportedly encountered the abductors and was attacked with machetes. He sustained severe injuries to the head and hands and is currently receiving treatment in a medical facility.

The attack triggered a swift mobilisation of youths from Nkwoegwu, Umuire, Akpahia and neighbouring communities, who combed nearby forests in search of the victims and the assailants.

Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, said operatives responded immediately after receiving a distress call.

She said, “The Command received a report of the incident on 10/06/2026 at about 1030hrs, involving the abduction of two victims by six suspected Fulani herdsmen while they were returning from the farm.

“Operatives of the Ohuhu Divisional Police Headquarters, in collaboration with vigilantes, forest guards and youths, immediately went into the bush to rescue the victims. On sighting the operatives, the suspects fled, abandoning the victims.

“The victims were successfully rescued. One of them, who sustained injuries on the head and hand, was taken to the hospital for treatment. Investigation is ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects.”

Following the incident, youths have mounted checkpoints across key access routes in Ohuhu to prevent escape and assist security agencies in tracking down the suspects.

The member representing Umuahia North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, Hon. Anderson Akaliro, reportedly joined community leaders in mobilising youths for the ongoing search operation.

Residents have urged government and security agencies to strengthen surveillance around farming settlements, warning that repeated attacks on farmers could further endanger rural livelihoods and deepen insecurity concerns.

The latest incident adds to a series of reported attacks in outskirts of Umuahia in recent times, raising renewed calls for sustained security presence in vulnerable forested areas.

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