• Family cries for help over kidnapped trader.
• Enugu–Benue highway sees surge in abductions.
• Authorities remain silent as family’s agony deepens.

The family of Uchenna Okoro, a missing trader, is asking the government to step in after the businessman was kidnapped by suspected Fulani terrorist herdsmen while he was on his way from Enugu to Makurdi. The family is in pain and frustration because they haven’t heard anything about his whereabouts or safety weeks after the event.

Okoro, a well-known trader and community leader, was reportedly kidnapped while travelling on the Enugu–Benue highway, which has been known for ambushes and attacks in recent months. Family members say that even after many calls to the police, nothing has been done that matters.

Kidnappings are on the rise on the Enugu–Benue highway

According to a report by Vanguard news, Frank Uzochukwu, the brother of the Okoro family, signed a statement saying that the family and their Amanator community in Ebonyi State were angry about what they called the government’s lack of concern. They said that the lack of communication from law enforcement has put other people who use the same highway for trade and travel in even more danger.

The family’s statement said, “If a respectable businessman like Mr. Uchenna Okoro can disappear without a trace, then none of us is safe.” “This road from Enugu to Benue has turned into a blood road.”

According to local monitors, kidnappings and murders have risen by more than 30% in the last year on the Enugu–Benue corridor, which security experts have long said is one of the most dangerous highways in the country.

The search for the missing trader is getting more intense

The family remembered that the kidnappers called for ransom in the days right after Okoro went missing, asking for an undisclosed amount. But after two weeks, the calls stopped without warning, making them even more afraid that the trader had been killed or moved to a different place.

“We don’t know if he is dead or alive.” Frank’s voice broke as he said, “The silence is worse than death.” “We’ve written to the police, the army, and even local vigilantes, but nothing has come of it.”

Police in Enugu and Benue States had not yet made an official statement about the incident at the time of writing. Civil society organizations have renewed calls for tighter security patrols and aerial surveillance along the Enugu–Benue route to stem the spate of kidnappings and restore public confidence.

Every day that goes by without news is like another wound for Okoro’s family. His brother said, “We just want him back.” “We have the right to know, even if he’s gone.”