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Kidnapped Residents Released in Enugu After Ransom Paid, Sparking Protests Over Insecurity

Several residents abducted during brazen attacks in two Enugu State communities have been freed after a substantial ransom was paid to their captors, an event that has intensified local protests over what citizens describe as government inaction and a complete breakdown of security.

Multiple victims of recent kidnappings in Enugu State have been released following the payment of a significant ransom to their abductors, highlighting the growing reliance on community-led negotiations in the face of perceived state failure.

The victims, taken from the Ezimo and Obollo-Eke communities in Udenu Local Government Area during coordinated attacks last weekend, were reportedly freed near the Benue State border on Thursday evening. 

According to local sources, their release came after a "handsome ransom" was paid, with no intervention from government or security agencies. After being freed, the victims were taken to the Orokamu Police Station in Benue State before being transferred to various medical facilities in Enugu for treatment.

The violent attacks, which occurred near a military checkpoint, have plunged the area into what residents call a "daily nightmare." Eyewitnesses and video evidence confirmed that gunmen operated unchallenged for hours, shooting several women and abducting others as they returned from a marriage ceremony. "The criminals operated unchallenged, even though the incident happened two poles away from a military checkpoint," lamented a resident, Marcel Ossia.

In response to the escalating crisis, scores of women from Ezimo staged a peaceful protest on Monday, marching to the residence of the state's Deputy Governor to demand urgent government action. The demonstrators expressed fear over relentless, targeted attacks, framing their action as "a cry for protection" for communities they say can no longer live in fear.

As of the latest reports, the Enugu State Police Command had not issued any official statement regarding the attacks, the release of the victims, or the ongoing public demonstrations.

**Source:** This report is based on information and eyewitness accounts gathered by Sahara Reporters.
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