Gunmen Abduct Priestess and Worshippers During Water Ritual in Enugu River; Farmers Also Taken in Coordinated Attack

 

A deeply disturbing event has sent shockwaves through Enugu State as a revered priestess and three worshippers were abducted during a spiritual ritual at the Ohebe Orba River in Udenu Local Government Area. The incident, which occurred on the night of Wednesday, April 16, 2025, also saw four local farmers kidnapped in what appears to be a coordinated and targeted assault by suspected Fulani herdsmen.

The victims had gathered at the riverbank for a traditional water ritual, commonly referred to by locals as the "water and Fanta work," a ceremony dedicated to appeasing the water goddess, when the tranquility of their spiritual practice was shattered by the sudden appearance of armed men. Eyewitness accounts suggest the attackers emerged from nearby bush paths, brandishing rifles and herding the group into captivity without resistance.

The priestess, popularly known in the area as “Ezenwanyi,” is a well-known spiritual leader who is frequently consulted for guidance and blessings associated with river deities. Her presence that evening was part of a customary visit to the river for ritual offerings and prayers. The sacred observance quickly turned into a nightmare as the attackers, allegedly speaking in Hausa and Fulfulde, seized her along with the worshippers and vanished into the surrounding forests.

Not long after this shocking event, another group of four individuals—local farmers attending to their cashew plantations not far from the site of the first abduction—were also reported missing. It is widely believed that the same group of assailants was responsible for both kidnappings.

The incident was first brought to public attention by Chijinkem Ugwuanyi, a media personality based in Enugu, who shared the harrowing details on social media. Ugwuanyi stated:

“The first four victims were kidnapped at the Ohebe River along with the Ezenwanyi, who led them there for their traditional water and Fanta rites. Fulani herdsmen abducted them in the middle of the ritual, right in front of the water goddess. The second set of four individuals were seized later in their cashew farms nearby.”

This alarming wave of kidnappings has reignited growing concerns over security in the region. Local leaders and residents have increasingly voiced fears about the escalating presence of armed groups, including suspected Fulani herdsmen, in communities across Enugu North Senatorial District.

Senator Okey Ezea, who represents Enugu North at the National Assembly, confirmed the abductions and issued a stark warning regarding the deteriorating safety in the area.

“Kidnappers and Fulani herdsmen have effectively taken over parts of Enugu North Senatorial Zone, including Nsukka. This is a serious security breach, and we cannot continue to ignore the threat this poses to both lives and traditions.”

The captors reportedly made contact with the victims' families shortly after the abductions. Initially demanding a staggering ransom of ₦50 million, they have since lowered their demand to ₦15 million, leaving families scrambling for resources and appealing to government authorities for swift intervention.

The ritual site, once a peaceful enclave for spiritual communion, now stands deserted, heavy with an air of loss and uncertainty. Locals, especially worshippers tied to traditional beliefs, are grappling with fear and outrage. Many see this as not just an attack on innocent individuals but a direct assault on their cultural and religious heritage.

Community leaders in Udenu LGA have condemned the attack and are urging state security agencies to intensify efforts in locating and rescuing the kidnapped victims. A joint task force of local vigilantes and state police has reportedly launched a manhunt in the dense forest areas surrounding Obehe Orba, but as of the time of this report, no arrests have been made and the whereabouts of the victims remain unknown.

This chilling episode highlights the increasingly volatile intersection between criminality and cultural spaces in Nigeria’s southeast, where sacred traditions and rural livelihoods are becoming vulnerable targets for banditry. As Enugu State grapples with this tragic event, it is yet another painful reminder that urgent, coordinated security reforms are not just necessary—they are long overdue.