A Nigerian lady, DohoAbasi Uweh, has made a heart-wrenching appeal for assistance after her family members were kidnapped while traveling by speed boat from Oron Beach to Calabar.
The victims include her mother, Mrs. Affiong Okon Uweh, her younger sister, Ima Abasi Okon Uweh, and her little cousin, Victory Nseabasi Jack.
Writing on her official Facebook handle, DohoAbasi Uweh, she said the speed boat, designed for 20 passengers, was overloaded with 25 people and their luggage.
She documented the boarding process with pictures and videos, which showed the boat was heavily loaded, barely able to move with any speed.
During the journey, DohoAbasi received a distressing call from her younger sister, where she heard commotion and a man’s voice shouting “GO!” repeatedly. It later emerged that sea pirates had kidnapped the boat passengers.
The kidnappers demanded ₦20 million in ransom, leaving DohoAbasi and her family in a state of distress.
Despite involving the authorities, no progress has been made in securing their release.
“I would have gladly waited those seven hours… Our waterways remain unsafe, and this experience has left me with deep pain and regret,” DohoAbasi said.
The family is now appealing for donations to help secure the release of their loved ones.
DohoAbasi provided her bank details: Bank Name: Access Bank, Account Name: Dohoabasi Okon Uweh, Account Number: 1557968362.
In another development, troops of the 4 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have uncovered and dismantled a notorious cybercrime and ritual syndicate operating in the Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State.
The operation, led by Brigadier General Ebenezer Oduyebo, was carried out following a tip-off that led to the arrest of 31 suspects.
Among those apprehended were several individuals believed to have been lured by the syndicate’s ringleader, Mr. Marvin Osabhuoyen, under the false promise of overseas employment.
Victims were allegedly held captive for over a year and coerced into participating in criminal activities including cyber fraud, armed robbery, and kidnapping.
Recovered during the raid were a Toyota vehicle, several smartphones, laptops, cash, and ritual paraphernalia.
The suspects have since been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for further investigation and prosecution.
Brigadier General Oduyebo praised the troops and collaborating security agencies for their swift and courageous actions, reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s dedication to maintaining peace and security across Edo State.