Police rescue abducted Abia farmers, suspects flee

By Steve Oko

The Abia State Police Command confirmed that two farmers abducted by suspected Fulani herdsmen in the Ohuhu community of Umuahia North Local Government Area have been rescued. The operation was carried out jointly by police, local vigilantes, forest guards and community youths.

The abduction, which occurred at about 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, sparked panic and led residents to launch a community‑led search for the fleeing suspects. The victims, natives of Akpahia near Umuezeroala, were taken while working on their farmland along the Umuawa Alaocha axis of Ohuhu.

A relative who went to look for the missing farmers 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.

In response, youths from Nkwoegwu, Umuire, Akpahia and neighbouring communities combed nearby forests in search of the victims and the assailants. Police Public Relations Officer DSP Maureen Chinaka confirmed that operatives responded immediately after receiving a distress call.

“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,” she said. “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 set up checkpoints across key access routes in Ohuhu to prevent escape and assist security agencies in tracking down the suspects. Hon. Anderson Akaliro, the member representing Umuahia North State Constituency in the Abia State House of Assembly, reportedly joined community leaders in mobilising youths for the ongoing search operation.

Residents have urged the 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 the outskirts of Umuahia in recent times, raising renewed calls for a sustained security presence in vulnerable forested areas.

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