Gunmen Demand ₦50 Million Ransom for Abducted Enugu Pharmacist, Threaten to Kill Victim if Family Involves Police

A young pharmacist identified as Caleb has been abducted by gunmen in Enugu State, with his captors demanding a ransom of ₦50 million for his release.

Caleb was reportedly kidnapped on Saturday evening, September 20, around 5:00 p.m., along the Ohebe Agu–Orba Road in Orba, Udenu Local Government Area. His disappearance initially went unnoticed, as family members believed he had travelled to Enugu city. However, by late Sunday night, the kidnappers contacted the family with their demands.

According to a family source who spoke to SaharaReporters, the abductors called late on Sunday and issued a chilling warning: Caleb’s family must not involve security agencies in negotiations.

“The abductors warned the family against involving security operatives, threatening dire consequences if their instructions are not followed. They told the family that if the police were alerted, they would get his corpse instead of his release,” the source said.

The gunmen reportedly kept the call short, reiterating their ₦50 million ransom demand and hanging up before the family could ask further questions.

The incident has further heightened fear in Udenu and surrounding areas, where residents say violent crime is escalating at an alarming rate. Community members have expressed frustration that criminal gangs now operate with impunity, targeting both locals and high-profile individuals.

The abduction comes just weeks after the murder of Rev. Father Matthew Eya, parish priest of St. Charles Catholic Church, Eha-Ndiagu, which sent shockwaves through the region.

In addition, on September 18, 2025, gunmen attacked the country home of Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Frank Mbah in Ezimo community, also in Udenu LGA. A police officer was reportedly killed during the incident. While the Enugu State Police Command later clarified it was an armed robbery attempt foiled by police, locals fear it signals the growing boldness of armed groups.

Caleb’s relatives and community leaders are now appealing to the Enugu State Government and federal security agencies to intervene urgently to secure his safe release. They warn that the worsening trend of kidnappings and killings could spiral further out of control if left unchecked.

“We cannot continue like this. Every day people are being killed or kidnapped. We call on the government and security agencies to act decisively before things completely collapse in our communities,” one community elder said.

As of press time, the Enugu State Police Command has not released an official statement regarding Caleb’s abduction. However, security sources told SaharaReporters that discreet efforts are underway to track the abductors and ensure the victim’s safe return.

Residents, meanwhile, remain on edge, with many urging authorities to step up patrols and security operations in the Udenu axis.